The Super Falcons of Nigeria on Wednesday, paid a compassionate visit to South Africa’s Refilwe Gabriela Salgado following her injury during their recent high-stakes encounter.
Gabriela Salgado had sustained a fracture of the mid-shaft of her left leg during the fixture against Nigeria.
She underwent a successful surgery at the Mohamed VI University Hospital in Casablanca and will be out of action for the rest of the year.
After the quarter finals match, the whole Banyana Banyana team visited Salgado at the hospital on Tuesday night after she had been stabilised following the injury.
On Wednesday, a delegation from the Super Falcons, accompanied by coaching staff, visited Salgado at the medical facility where she was receiving care. They offered words of comfort, encouragement, and warm wishes for a speedy recovery. They also presented her with a signed Super Falcon jersey.
Team captain Onome Ebi, speaking on behalf of the Super Falcons, said, “We came here to compete, but we are also here as fellow athletes who understand the toll this game can take. We wish Salgado a full and fast recovery. Her strength and skill are admirable, and we hope to see her back on the pitch soon.”
Photos and videos from the visit have since gone viral on social media, drawing widespread praise for the Nigerian side’s graceful gesture. The moment has been hailed as a reminder that mutual respect, empathy, and unity remain at the heart of sports—especially in women’s football, where camaraderie often outshines competition.
Reacting to the visit, South Africa’s Football Association released a statement thanking the Super Falcons for their compassion. “This act of kindness goes beyond the game. It’s a mark of true champions and sisters of the sport,” the statement read.
The Nigerian girls had defeated South Africa 2-1 to set up a final match on Saturday, July 26 against hosts, Morocco
