As a show of support and friendship, the Nigerian players gave Salgado an autographed Super Falcons jersey. The team’s emotional reaction to the incident on the field was continued with the visit, which was held at the Mohamed VI University Hospital.
In a statement issued by media officer Mary Akinsola, the squad also expressed their deepest sympathies to Banyana Banyana, stating that the players, coaches, staff, and entire delegation were “profoundly saddened” by the agonizing sight of the injured player being carried out on a stretcher.
According to the statement, “Our first thoughts are only with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead.”
“We are sending our warmest wishes for strength and resilience to Gabriela, her teammates, her family, and close friends.”
The Nigerian team emphasized that during times like these, the spirit of competition swiftly gives way to compassion for a fellow athlete and a sense of shared humanity.
In times like these, “the spirit of competition instantly fades, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete,” the statement continued.
The squad acknowledged that some of the Nigerian players were clearly emotional throughout the game and expressed a desire to see the South African star in person the next day.
“As fellow members of this football community, the Super Falcons NGR stand firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support,” the statement read.
“With the steadfast support of the team and community, we all hope Gabriela recovers steadily, regains her strength, and returns to the field when she is ready,” the team continued.
At the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca, Salgado had a successful operation on Wednesday. She is currently being treated and will recover until she and the rest of the Banyana Banyana team travel back to South Africa the following week.
“Gabi suffered a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the match against Nigeria and underwent a successful surgery,” Banyana Banyana team doctor Dr. Lindi Mokoena said in a medical update.
“We are happy that she received excellent care from the medical team of Banyana Banyana, CAF, and the hospital, but she will be out of action for the remainder of the year.”
The South African Football Association was completely confident in the treatment being carried out in Morocco, Dr. Mokoena added, praising CAF and the hospital staff for their professionalism.
Support messages for Salgado have been coming in from all around the continent, including from South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who praised the player’s bravery as well as the hardship of the situation.
Today, President Ramaphosa remarked, “We wish Banyana Banyana’s Gabriela Salgado a comfortable and quick recovery from her traumatic injury sustained in last night’s WAFCON semi-final against a victorious Nigeria.”
“I am aware that you are a courageous and talented lady on the field, Gabriela, and that you have a strong and visible religion. “The country sends you its best wishes,” he continued.
The night after she was stabilized, Salgado’s teammates visited her in the hospital, clearly shaken by the incident.
Nigeria will play host to Morocco in the final on Saturday, while South Africa will play Ghana in the third-place game at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium on Friday night.
