Gift Monday fires Washington Spirit into NWSL Playoff Final

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigerian forward Gift Monday is continuing her sensational form in the United States, scoring yet another crucial goal for Washington Spirit.

The Super Falcons striker opened the scoring in the 23rd minute to hand her side the lead, paving the way for a 2–0 victory over Portland Thorns in the NWSL Playoffs Semi-Finals and securing a place in the playoff final.

Monday tapped into an empty net after a good sprint from Rosemonde Kouassi who provided the assist.

Croix Bethune later doubled the advantage to ensure that the Spirit will feature in consecutive NWSL Championship final.

With her latest strike, Gift Monday has now recorded 13 goals this season — 12 in the NWSL and one in the CONCACAF Women’s Cup — in addition to providing two assists.

Despite her outstanding form abroad, she continues to be overlooked by Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu.

Gift Monday completed the full 90 minutes, while compatriot Deborah Abiodun was introduced in the 73rd minute for Leicy Santos.

Washington Spirit will now face the winner of the second semi-final clash between Gorham FC and Orlando Pride.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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