In-form Monday sets sights on Falcons return News

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In-form Monday sets sights on Falcons return

By Daily Sports Nigeria on September 30, 2025

Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday is nursing the ambition of making a return to the Super Falcons squad after missing out on the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, which was played in July 2025, when the team won a record-extending 10th continental title, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Monday was a surprise omission from coach Justine Madugu’s squad despite her impressive form in the season, which she began with Tenerife in Spain before joining the Washington Spirit in the USA’s National Women’s Soccer League.

The player has not been affected by the snub, keeping up her level in the NWSL with eight goals and two assists in 19 games.

With her latest addition being the fastest hat-trick scored from the start of a game in the NWSL, the 23-year-old sees the prospect of earning a return ahead of the next month’s 2026 WAFCON qualifiers second round double header against the Benin Republic.

“Playing for the Super Falcons is a very big honour for me, and I am more than happy to wear the jersey. I am just doing what I can to get my act together and hope I get called up. I’m preparing for what is ahead of me,” she said after Sunday’s win.

Monday’s last involvement with the Super Falcons was in October 2024, when the Super Falcons faced Algeria in a two-legged friendly.

She scored a goal in the 4-1 win over the Algerians in Lagos.

Thanks to Monday’s efforts on Sunday, Washington Spirit clinched their second consecutive playoff berth with a 4-0 home win over Houston Dash.

The Nigerian star set a new NWSL mark for the fastest hat-trick from kickoff at just under 36 minutes and recorded the first-ever NWSL hat-trick at the Audi Field.

She got the first in the 18th minute after being set up by Trinity Rodman.

Monday’s confidence fueled momentum, firing home a loose ball in the box after a pass from Croix Bethune in the 21st minute, giving her two goals in the opening third of the match.

Before the first half was over, Rodman sent another ball into the box, where Monday found the back of the net for the third time, this time with a one-time shot in the 36th minute.

Source Punch Ng

Posted September 30, 2025