Super Falcons striker Gift Monday has completed a move to the United States, signing a three-year contract with Washington Spirit from Spanish side UD Tenerife.
The deal, which includes a team option for 2028, marks the latest step in Monday’s rising career.
The 23-year-old forward joins the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after an impressive spell in Spain, where she emerged as one of Tenerife’s standout performers in the Liga F.
A Breakout Season in Spain
Monday was enjoying a stellar campaign in Spain before her move to the U.S. scoring 10 goals and providing three assists in 19 league appearances this season.
Her brilliant performances earned her the Liga F Player of the Month award for February.
Washington Spirit head coach Jonathan Giráldez expressed his excitement over her signing, emphasizing the impact she will bring to the squad.
“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,”Giráldez said.
From Nigeria to the Global Stage
Before moving to Europe, Monday was a dominant force in Nigerian club football. She helped Bayelsa Queens win the 2021–22 league title, finishing as the season’s top scorer.
Her performances earned her a move to UD Tenerife in 2022, where she recorded 26 goal contributions (goals and assists) in 65 appearances.
On the international stage, Monday has been an important player for Nigeria at various levels. She featured at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup and played a crucial role in Nigeria’s gold medal victory at the 2019 African Games.
She was also part of the Super Falcons squad that won the 2021 Turkish Women’s Cup, where she scored in the team’s 9-0 win over Equatorial Guinea, helping Nigeria become the first African team to claim the title.
Since making her senior debut for Nigeria in 2019, Monday has continued to be a key player, earning a spot in the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Monday playing for the Super falcons. (Photo Credits Imago)
Monday Ready for NWSL Challenge
Reacting to her move, Monday expressed excitement about joining Washington Spirit and beginning a new chapter in her career.
“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,”she said.
Monday’s arrival is a big addition to Washington Spirit’s attack, as they look to strengthen their squad ahead of the new NWSL season.
