National Teams
Gift Monday pays emotional tribute to late father, Effiom Monday Akpan after burial
Nigeria forward Gift Monday has paid a heartfelt tribute to her late father, Mr. Effiom Monday Akpan, describing him as her “first coach” and “greatest fan” following his burial in Ikpe Ikot Ntue, Essien Udim Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, on Friday, October 31, 2025.
Mr. Akpan, who passed on in July 2025, during the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2024) campaign, was laid to rest after a funeral service at his family compound, officiated by Saint June’s African Church, Afia Usung Road, Ikpe Ikot Ntue.
In an emotional reflection shared after the ceremony, the Washington Spirit forward expressed deep gratitude and love for her late father, recounting his influence on her personal life and football career.
“Losing my father, Mr. Effiom Monday Akpan, has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Even though I knew that one day this moment would come, nothing truly prepares you for the silence that follows when a man who has always been your source of strength, discipline, and encouragement is no longer there,” she said.
Gift, who described her father as “my foundation and my first coach”, added that his guidance and prayers had been instrumental in her journey as a professional footballer.
Gift Monday in country home to bury late father
“Every value he instilled in me — humility, resilience, honesty, and faith in God — has guided me not only in life but also in my football career. I will forever remember his prayers before every tournament and the pride in his eyes each time I wore the green and white jersey of Nigeria.”
The Super Falcons star noted that the burial served as a reminder of how deeply her father was loved and respected by those around him.
“His burial reminded me once again of how much he meant to everyone — family, friends, and the entire community. Seeing the love and respect people had for him filled me with both sorrow and gratitude,” she said.
Gift Monday concluded her tribute with an emotional farewell, promising to keep his legacy alive.
“Daddy, your legacy lives in me and in every life you touched. Though I miss you deeply, I find comfort knowing you are resting peacefully in God’s hands. Rest on, my hero. I will keep making you proud — on and off the field.”
Even though Super Falcons players were absent, the burial was attended by family members, relatives, friends, and community members who came to pay their last respects on Friday.
Also present were former colleagues and friends from the FC Robo family, who turned out in numbers to support Gift Monday and stand by her in honouring her late father.
