Super Falcons and Benfica defensive midfielder, Christy Onyenaturuchi Ucheibe, has sent a quick recovery message to South African midfielder, Gabriela Salgado, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 27-year-old Bayana midfielder went down after challenging for an aerial ball resulting from a Nigerian set piece. Salgado was caught by an onrushing Super Falcons player who attempted an acrobatic volley.
She landed and planted her leg in the turf, with her body immediately giving way as she immediately began wailing in tears.
The reactions of several Nigerian players hinted the injury was very bad, and might have had a mental effect on how Desiree Ellis‘ side saw the game out.
Bayana Bayana tried to hang on, but a late winner from Michelle Alozie sent the Super Falcons to the WAFCON 2024 final, pitching them against the tournament’s host, Morocco.
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After the game, Ucheibe expressed her pleasure that her side were able to get a win over the line after she came on in the 64th for an injured Joe Echegini.
“Amazing players, I love them so much. We put on a good fight, and I’m happy, everyone is happy,” Ucheibe said in her post-match interview with Ademola Victor.
“I’m overwhelmed with joy, I don’t know how to express myself, but I give God all the glory for what he’s done.”
Additionally, the Benfica midfielder weighed in on Gabriela Salgado’s injury, wishing her a speedy recovery.
“Everyone was emotional on the pitch. I was about to cry. It’s done, and that’s gone; there’s nothing we can do.
“We cannot change it now, but I wish her a quick recovery and success in the future. That’s all I can say,” the 24-year-old concluded.
Christy Ucheibe on Super Falcons Reaching the WAFCON Final and Her Thoughts on South Africa’s Gabriela Salgado’s Injury #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/TRTfo63HtI
— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) July 22, 2025
The Super Falcons will take on Morocco in the WAFCON 2024 final on Saturday at the Stade Olympique de Rabat in Rabat. Kick-off time is slated for 21:00 WAT.
The Nigerian team have won four of their five games at the WAFCON 2024 tournament, keeping four clean sheets.