Gift Monday: Nigeria star seals $500,000 move from Washington Spirit to Boston Legacy

Nigeria forward Gift Monday has joined Boston Legacy FC from Washington Spirit in a landmark trade that sees the Nigerian international become one of the latest high-profile additions to the NWSL expansion club.

The two American clubs confirmed the deal on Thursday, with Boston Legacy sending $500,000 in transfer threshold funds to Washington Spirit for the 24-year-old attacker.

The Spirit will also retain a 20 per cent sell-on clause should Monday be transferred or traded to another club in the future. 

Monday joined Washington Spirit from Spanish side UD Tenerife in March 2025 and went on to make 48 appearances for the club, scoring 12 goals and providing three assists. She also played an important role in the Spirit’s run to the NWSL Championship last season. 

The Nigerian forward made her mark on the NWSL in spectacular fashion in September 2025 when she scored a hat-trick against Houston Dash in just 35 minutes and 52 seconds, setting the league record for the fastest hat-trick from kick-off. 

Monday also scored twice during Washington’s playoff campaign last season as the Spirit reached the NWSL Championship for the second consecutive year.

Her move to Boston provides the Nigerian attacker with a fresh opportunity at a club that is building its identity in the NWSL. Boston Legacy made its debut in the league in 2026 and has been assembling a squad capable of competing at the highest level.

Boston Legacy General Manager Domè Guasch said Monday’s qualities will add another dimension to the club’s attack, particularly in its pressing game and final-third play.

“Gift brings a unique set of qualities as a forward that will add another dimension to our attack. She will contribute to our high press, create opportunities and be dangerous in the final third. She’s also a team player, and that matters to us as much as her quality on the pitch,” Guasch said. 

For Washington Spirit, the departure brings an end to a productive spell for the Nigerian forward, with Sporting Director James Hocken acknowledging her contribution since arriving from Tenerife.

“Since arriving, Monday has been a valuable contributor in our attacking third and played an integral role in helping this club reach the NWSL Championship last season,” Hocken said. 

Monday’s career has taken her from Nigerian women’s football to Spain and now the United States. She began her professional career with COD United Amazons before spells with FC Robo and Bayelsa Queens, then moved to UD Tenerife in 2022. 

At Tenerife, she scored 19 goals in 66 appearances before making the switch to Washington Spirit in 2025. Her development in Europe and the NWSL has also strengthened her position within the Super Falcons setup. 

The forward has also been included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, with the two matches scheduled for October 9 and 13 at Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne. 

Monday’s move comes at an important stage of her international career, with Nigeria continuing preparations for the Olympic qualifying campaign and the striker expected to remain an important attacking option for the Super Falcons.

For Boston Legacy, the acquisition represents both a significant financial investment and a statement of intent as the club continues to establish itself in the NWSL.

The move also gives Monday the opportunity to begin a new chapter in the United States, this time as one of the key attacking figures for Boston’s ambitious project.