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Gift Monday: Rising Above Setbacks to Shine in the NWSL
From being overlooked for the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations despite being in top form, to enduring the painful loss of her father, Washington Spirit striker Gift Monday has navigated a season filled with emotional and professional challenges. Yet, rather than slow her down, those setbacks became fuel for a breakthrough debut campaign in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).
Monday’s first season in the United States could hardly have gone better. She finished the campaign with 10 goals and two assists, helping Washington Spirit to a second-place finish in one of the most competitive women’s leagues in the world. Reflecting on the season, the Nigerian forward describes it as a strong start to life in the NWSL, crediting her ability to adapt quickly and make an immediate impact.
Her move to the United States came as a surprise to many, especially after her impressive form in Spain. For Monday, however, the switch represented an opportunity to challenge herself in a different footballing environment. While she initially expected the NWSL to be defined mainly by physicality, she soon discovered a league rich in technical quality and tactical discipline, comparable in many ways to what she had experienced in Spain.
“I would say that my debut season in the NWSL was a good one. It was a strong start for me in my first year, achieving this much. I also need to give myself my flower. I did my best. I got into the league, blended in quickly, and made my mark.” She told Punch.
Among the many highlights of her season, one moment stands out above the rest: her hat-trick against Houston Dash. On that historic night, Monday’s sharp movement, composure and finishing came together perfectly. The treble was not only the fastest hat-trick from kick-off in NWSL history, but also the first ever recorded at Audi Field, cementing her name in the league’s record books and boosting her confidence.
“When I moved, I saw it as an opportunity to explore and experience another type of football. Trust me, when you are doing well, people will definitely have their eyes on you. On the difference between the Spanish league and the NWSL, I initially thought it was very physical here, but when I arrived, I realised it’s not just about physicality. The competition is also strong in technique and tactics, just as it was in Spain.” Monday continued.
“Every assist and every goal was special. The ability to score and execute the touches, the control and everything perfectly makes it special. But I will single out the hat-trick I scored against Houston Dash. On that day, I did everything right. I got into position on time and had accuracy with my touches. That hat-trick made history as the fastest hat-trick from kick-off in NWSL history, and it was also the first hat-trick recorded at Audi Field. Those pieces of history make it very special.”
Washington Spirit’s strong collective performance was another source of pride. Monday attributes the team’s success to unity within the squad, a clear game plan from the technical crew, and unwavering support from the fans. The combination, she believes, created an environment where players could thrive and push each other to higher levels.
“Finishing second as a team is a big achievement. What do you think made this Washington Spirit squad so effective, and how proud are you of what you all built together?
“Finishing second was a big achievement, and I don’t take it for granted. I would credit that to the team spirit and the game plan from the technical crew to the players on the pitch. Special thanks also go to the fans; they gave us all the support we needed.”
Looking ahead, the striker is already focused on improving her game. Her primary target is sharper finishing, aiming to become more ruthless in front of goal. Beyond personal development, she is determined to be a player who can influence games even in difficult moments. Off the pitch, Monday is also driven by a desire to give back, with plans to establish a foundation that will inspire and support young people in pursuing their dreams.
On the international stage, missing out on the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations remains a significant motivation. Rather than dwelling on disappointment, Monday views the snub as a challenge to improve and grow. She remains hopeful that continued hard work and consistency will earn her another opportunity to represent Nigeria at the highest level.
The most emotional chapter of her season came with the loss of her father in 2025. After taking time away to pay her respects, Monday returned to the pitch and scored immediately—a moment she describes as deeply meaningful. Football, she says, has always been a source of joy and healing. The goal was dedicated to her father, who was also her first coach and the person who taught her to believe, persevere and keep moving forward.
For Gift Monday, the season was about far more than goals and results. It was a journey of resilience, growth and faith—one that has positioned her not only as a key player for Washington Spirit, but as a symbol of strength in the face of adversity.
