OFFICIAL: Washington Spirit unveil Gift Monday

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) outfit, Washington Spirit has signed Nigerian forward Gift Monday to a three-year deal with a 2028 team option in a transfer from Spain’s UD Tenerife.

The move involved a transfer fee paid to UD Tenerife by the Spirit.

She is joining the former coach of Asisat Oshoala who won the Spanish league and UEFA Women’s Champions League (UWCL) under Jonatan Giraldez before the gaffer joined Washington Spirit last season.

“Gift has unique qualities as a forward and will add a new layer to our attacking third,” said Head Coach Jonathan Giráldez.

”We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team in the near future.”

A talented young forward, Monday joins the Spirit after two and a half years with UD Tenerife.

Playing over 65 matches with the side, Monday tallied 26 goal contributions across nearly 4,500 minutes of action.

Before her time with Tenerife in Spain, Monday played for Nigeria’s FC Robo and City of David (COD) United Amazons.

At the international level, the forward made her senior debut for Nigeria in 2019 and was named to the federation’s 23-player roster for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

She joined the likes of Oshoala (Bay FC), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash), Chiamaka Okwuchukwu and Favour Emmanuel (both of San Diego Wave) in adding to Nigerians in the United States (US) women’s top flight league.