Gift Monday, a dynamic striker for the Nigerian Super Falcons and Spanish club UDG Tenerife, has emerged as a strong contender for the February Player of the Month award in the Spanish Primera División Femenina. Her exceptional performance throughout the season has propelled Tenerife to sixth place in the league standings, a testament to her goal-scoring prowess and overall impact on the team. With 10 goals in 19 matches, Monday currently sits third in the league’s scoring charts, trailing Barcelona’s Ewa Pajor and Edna Imade, highlighting her competitive edge among elite players in one of Europe’s top women’s leagues. This recognition marks a significant milestone in Monday’s burgeoning career, underscoring her escalating prominence on the international football stage.
Monday’s consistent performance and goal-scoring ability have significantly contributed to Tenerife’s success this season. Her remarkable streak of scoring in six consecutive games before a recent draw against Eibar showcases her reliability and consistency as a goal threat. This prolific form has not gone unnoticed, placing her in the running for the prestigious Player of the Month award alongside other notable players such as Real Madrid’s Alba Redondo, Barcelona’s Caroline Hansen, Ainhoa Marin of Deportivo, Ane Azkona of Bilbao, Ari Mingueza of Granada, and Elba Verges of Eibar. The competition for the award is fierce, reflecting the high level of talent in the Spanish league, but Monday’s consistent performance makes her a genuine contender.
The 23-year-old striker’s journey to this point has been one of steady progress and dedication. Having begun her career in the Nigeria Women’s Football League, Monday made the leap to European football in 2022, signing a three-year deal with UDG Tenerife. This transition marked a significant step in her career, offering her the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in the world and further hone her skills in a highly competitive environment. The recent extension of her contract with Tenerife until 2027 demonstrates the club’s faith in her potential and underscores her value to the team. This long-term commitment provides Monday with the stability and support she needs to continue her development and strive for even greater achievements.
Monday’s impressive form this season represents a personal best, showcasing the strides she has made in her development as a player. In her own words, she feels she is “getting closer to her peak,” a testament to her hard work, dedication, and the positive impact of playing in a competitive league. This growing confidence is reflected in her performance on the pitch, where she exhibits a combination of skill, speed, and a keen eye for goal. The experience gained from playing against top-level competition has undoubtedly contributed to her growth and has solidified her position as a key player for both club and country.
The recognition of being nominated for the Player of the Month award alongside some of the most talented players in the league is a significant achievement for Monday. It acknowledges her hard work and dedication and confirms her status as a rising star in women’s football. This nomination is not just a personal accomplishment; it also serves as inspiration for other aspiring female footballers in Nigeria and around the world, demonstrating that with hard work and perseverance, dreams can be realized. It further highlights the growing influence of African players in top European leagues and underscores the increasing global competitiveness of women’s football.
Looking ahead, Monday’s future in the sport appears bright. With her contract secured until 2027, she has a stable platform to continue her development and contribute to Tenerife’s success. Her growing confidence, coupled with her consistent performance, suggests that she has the potential to reach even greater heights in her career. As she continues to hone her skills and gain experience, Gift Monday has the potential to become a leading force in women’s football, both at the club level and on the international stage with the Nigerian Super Falcons. Her journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and the transformative impact of opportunities in a supportive and competitive environment.
