Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie has extended her prayers and well wishes to South Africa's Gabriela Salgado, who sustained a serious injury during Nigeria's 2-1 victory over Banyana Banyana in the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) semi-final on Tuesday.
The Nigerian team secured their place in the WAFCON final with goals from Rasheedat Ajibade and Alozie herself at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, ending the title defense of South Africa, who won the previous edition of the tournament.
Following the match, Alozie took to social media to celebrate the victory while also showing sportsmanship by expressing concern for her injured opponent. "COUNT IT!!!!! see you in the finals," she posted, before adding, "Prayers to Gabriela Salgado. Speedy recovery."
The injury to Salgado cast a shadow over what was otherwise an intense and competitive match between two of Africa's strongest women's football teams. The South African forward had previously expressed confidence ahead of the clash, stating that Banyana Banyana were "mentally and physically ready" to face the Super Falcons.
Nigeria's victory was particularly significant as it featured the return of key players Ashleigh Plumptre and Chidinma Okafor, who had been cleared to participate in the crucial fixture. Ajibade continued her impressive form in the tournament, claiming her third Woman of the Match award for her performance against South Africa.
The Super Falcons will now await the winner of the second semi-final between Morocco and Ghana to determine their opponent in the WAFCON final scheduled for this weekend. A victory in the final would further cement Nigeria's status as the most successful team in the history of women's football in Africa.
The match result sparked celebrations among Nigerian fans, many of whom took to social media to express their joy and support for the team's achievement in reaching yet another continental final.
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