Nigerian international Gift Monday has reacted to her omission from the Super Falcons squad set to represent the country at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
The 23-year-old forward, who plies her trade with NWSL outfit Washington Spirit in the United States, was left out of the official squad roster for the competition released by head coach Justin Madugu, as the Super Falcons bid to win a record tenth continental crown in the North African country.
Monday, who expressed feelings of distraught and sadness. “Sometimes the hardest moments reveal the strength of our hearts,” she wrote, “I have seen the official squad list for the upcoming WAFCON tournament and yes, my name isn’t on it.”
The Washington Spirit forward said, “While it hurts and is a tough pill to swallow, I want to make it clear that I hold no grudges, no resentment. I am hake and hearty, fully fit, and still deeply in love with the game and the green white green.”
She added, “Though I won’t be on the pitch with the team in Morocco, my heart will be there every step of the way. I remain fully committed to cheering my country from home, lifting every prayer and every shout of support for the badge we all fight so hard to represent.
“To the incredible women who made the squad, go out there and make history. Let your passion roar. Let your pride show. You carry the hopes of millions including mine. I’ll be watching. I’ll be believing. I’ll be back. Come on Super Falcons, Let’s fly high,” Monday concluded.
Monday joined the Washington Spirit on a three-year contract in March from Spanish outfit UD Tenerife, where she had spent the last three years. Prior to her move to Spain in 2022, she last featured for NWFL side Bayelsa Queens and FC Robo.
She was part of the Falcons squad at the last WAFCON tournament held in Morocco in 2022 where Nigeria finished fourth, having gone as far as the semi-finals. The striker was also a member of the national team at the FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand in 2023 where Nigeria reached the knockout rounds.
Washington Spirit are currently occupying the fourth position in the 14-team league standings, having accrued 22 points from 12 games played. So far, they have won seven, drawn one and lost four matches this season.