Gift Monday shines as Washington Spirit advance to NWSL Playoffs Semifinals

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigerian forward Gift Monday continued her impressive run in the United States, scoring once again to help Washington Spirit edge Racing Louisville in their NWSL Playoffs quarterfinal clash.

The Spirit prevailed 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, sealing their spot in the 2025 NWSL Playoffs semifinals.

Monday broke the deadlock in the 73rd minute, rising highest to nod home a brilliant header and hand the Spirit a deserved lead in a tense contest.

However, Kayla Fischer equalised for Racing Louisville deep into stoppage time, forcing extra time and eventually a shootout — where Washington held their nerve to advance.

With her latest strike, the Super Falcons star has now tallied 12 goals this season — 11 in the NWSL and one in the CONCACAF Women’s Cup — alongside two assists, underlining her consistency and attacking prowess across competitions.

Next up, Monday and her teammates will face Portland Thorns in the NWSL Playoffs semifinals on Saturday, November 15.

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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