Banyana Banyana winger Gabriela Salgado has expressed deep gratitude to Nigeria’s Super Falcons and the wider football community for the overwhelming support she received following the horrific leg injury she sustained during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
The 26-year-old fractured her left leg during South Africa’s 2-1 semi-final loss to Nigeria last Tuesday in Casablanca, forcing her to be stretchered off in the 87th minute before being rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
In an emotional social media post, Salgado wrote: “I just want to take a moment to say a massive thank you to everyone who has reached out with love, support, and prayers since my injury. It has been an emotional few days, but I truly feel held by the kindness around me.”
The winger specifically acknowledged the gestures from rival teams, including the Super Falcons, who visited her at the Mohamed VI University Hospital on Wednesday, presenting her with a signed Nigerian jersey as a symbol of solidarity.
“To the teams from Nigeria, Ghana & CAF, your kindness and concern did not go unnoticed. Thank you for your sportsmanship and support,” she continued. “To the amazing doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, thank you for taking such good care of me. I am truly grateful.”
The Super Falcons’ hospital visit came a day after the traumatic incident, with the Nigerian delegation making the gesture despite their own preparations for Saturday’s final against Morocco. Several Nigerian players were visibly emotional during the match when Salgado went down, and were keen to follow up with a personal visit.
The Nigerian team had earlier released a statement expressing their profound sadness at the distressing sight of the injured player. “Our immediate thoughts are solely with her for comfort, care, and the recovery journey ahead,” the statement read.
“The spirit of competition instantly fades in moments like these, replaced by a shared sense of care for a fellow athlete. As fellow members of this football community, the Super Falcons stands firmly alongside Banyana Banyana in solidarity and support.”
Salgado underwent successful surgery on Wednesday at the Mohamed VI University Hospital, where she remained under care. Banyana Banyana team doctor Dr Lindi Mokoena confirmed the winger sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg and would be out of action for the rest of the year.
The incident sparked an outpouring of support across the continent, with messages coming from Ghana’s Black Queens, CAF officials, and even South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who praised Salgado’s bravery and faith.
“Today, our thoughts are with Banyana Banyana’s Gabriela Salgado as we wish her a comfortable and speedy recovery,” President Ramaphosa said. “I know you’re a woman of deep and public faith, Gabriela, and you’re a woman of bravery and skill on the pitch. The nation wishes you well.”
The show of unity from across African football highlighted the sport’s ability to transcend competition, with rivals setting aside their differences to support a fellow athlete in her time of need.
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