"Living the dream," Super Falcons star Gift Monday gushes over Washington Spirit move

• Washington Spirit have secured the signing of Nigerian forward Gift Monday on a three-year deal, with a team option for 2028
• Head coach Jonathan Giráldez believes Monday will strengthen the squad, gushes over her unique qualities as a forward.
• On the international stage, Monday has represented Nigeria at multiple levels, featuring in the 2018 U-20 Women’s World Cup and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

America’s National Women's Soccer League side Washington Spirit confirmed the signing of Super Falcons star Gift Monday on a three-year deal, with the contract including a team option for 2028. 

The move marks an exciting step for the 23-year-old forward, who arrives from Spanish side UD Tenerife for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Monday had been enjoying a stellar campaign in Spain’s Liga F before sealing her move to the United States. 

She registered 10 goals and three assists in 19 league appearances for Tenerife this season and was named Liga F’s Player of the Month for February, proving her reputation and quality as a rising star in women’s football.

Washington Spirit’s head coach Jonathan Giráldez expressed his excitement about the recruitment, emphasising Monday’s attacking prowess and versatility, 

“Gift has unique qualities as a forward and will add a new layer to our attacking third, we’re thrilled to welcome her to the team in the near future,” Giráldez remarked.

Monday’s football journey has seen her rise through the ranks, starting in Nigeria with FC Robo and COD United Amazons before making a name for herself domestically with Bayelsa Queens. 

She played a pivotal role in guiding Bayelsa Queens to the 2021–22 Nigerian league title, finishing as the league’s top scorer before earning a move to Spain.

After joining Tenerife in 2022, she recorded 26 goal contributions in 65 appearances, proving to be a key player in the Spanish top flight. Her consistent performances attracted interest from several clubs before Washington Spirit secured her signature.

On the international stage, Monday has been a standout player for Nigeria across various age categories. She was a member of the Nigerian squad at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and played a crucial role in the Super Falcons’ gold-winning campaign at the 2019 African Games, where Nigeria triumphed over Cameroon on penalties

Notably, she etched her name in history by helping Nigeria win the 2021 Turkish Women’s Cup, the first African team to claim the title. In that tournament, she contributed to Nigeria’s emphatic 9-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea, highlighting her attacking threat.

Speaking about her move to Washington Spirit, Monday expressed her enthusiasm, stating, 

“I am excited to join the Washington Spirit family as I have long wanted to play for the club. I can’t wait to start living the dream.”

Her arrival is expected to provide a significant boost for Washington Spirit as they strengthen their squad for the upcoming NWSL season, with hopes of making a strong title push.

Liga F: Ajibade shines in Atletico’s victory, Olatunji scores in Sparta’s defeat

Previously, TheRadar reported that Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, displayed an exceptional performance during Friday, September 27 Madrid Derby, leading Atletico Madrid Femenino to a 4-0 triumph over Madrid CFF in Liga F. Ajibade, 25, scored one of the goals, boosting her season tally to three in just four matches.

The Nigerian forward was an attacking menace throughout the match, with 65 touches, a 74% passing accuracy from 34 passes, and three key chances created.