Banyana Banyana star Gabriela Salgado breaks silence since suffering horrific injury against Nigeria in WAFCON duel

Banyana Banyana’s Gabriela Salgado has for the first time spoken since suffering a serious injury during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final against Nigeria.

The versatile player, who can play as a defender and as a midfielder, was injured when the Super Falcons and Banyana were tied at 1-1. Rasheedat Ajibade had scored a penalty for Nigeria before Linda Motlhalo equalised for Banyana.

Salgado then got injured and Nigeria grabbed the winning goal thorugh Michelle Alozie and now the Banyana player is expected to keep her out for the entire year.

As she recuperates, she has sent a message of gratitude to all those who have taken their time to wish her well.

“Overwhelmed with gratitude. 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,” Salgado said in a statement to the public.

“It has been an emotional few days, but I truly feel held by the kindness around me. To my family, friends, and teammates back home, your messages and calls have kept my spirit strong. Thank you for standing by me," she added.

“To my Banyana family, from the team manager, doctors, physio, coaches, and every single player, thank you for the exceptional care, support, and love you have shown me. You made me feel safe, seen, and truly cared for."

After winning the semi-final duel, the Super Falcons visited Salgado at the Mohamed VI University Hospital, where she underwent surgery. She has now responded and said the sportsmanship shown by their rivals is welcome.

“To the teams from Nigeria, Ghana, and CAF, your kindness and concern did not go unnoticed. Thank you for your sportsmanship and support," she added.

“To the amazing doctors, nurses, and hospital staff, thank you for taking such good care of me. I am truly grateful," Salgado stated.

“I am still processing everything and recovering, but I will respond to messages and check-ins as soon as I can. Just know that I feel every bit of love sent my way.”

The defeat against Nigeria meant that Salgado and her teammates surrendered the title they won in 2022 in Morocco.

The 2022 champions returned home empty-handed after they were beaten by Ghana in the post-match penalty shootout in the third-place showdown.

Salgado, who missed the WAFCON 2022 finals after she sustained an almost career-ending injury, is now focusing on one thing: recovery and the hope of fast healing.

For Banyana, the focus is on the 2026 WAFCON qualifiers, where they are set to take on DR Congo in October.