Sports
Injured Salgado thanks Falcons for support
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.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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