Gift Monday, the dynamic forward for both the Super Falcons and Costa Adeje Tenerife Women, has experienced a meteoric rise in her football career. Her journey from the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) to the top tier of Spanish women’s football is a testament to her dedication, talent, and unwavering pursuit of excellence. In her third season in Spain, Monday has truly come into her own, showcasing her prowess as a striker and achieving her best performance to date. She attributes this success to several factors, including playing in her preferred striking role, a coach who understands her playing style and strengths, and the invaluable support of her teammates. This combination has allowed her to flourish on the field, demonstrating her full potential and making a significant impact for her club.
Monday’s exceptional performance has not gone unnoticed. In February, she was honored with the prestigious Liga F Player of the Month award. This recognition was particularly meaningful for Monday, as it placed her amongst the elite players in the Spanish league, a competition renowned for its high level of talent. The nomination itself was a significant achievement, but winning the award, especially against such formidable competition as Barcelona’s Caroline Hansen, a player Monday admires, left her speechless and filled with gratitude. This accolade further solidifies her position as a rising star in women’s football and serves as motivation for her continued growth and development.
While individual accolades are appreciated, Monday’s primary focus remains firmly on team success. Her ambition is not to win the Golden Boot but rather to contribute to her team’s qualification for the Champions League. Playing in this prestigious competition is a major aspiration for Monday, and she is determined to play a pivotal role in helping her team achieve this goal. This team-oriented mindset is a testament to her character and underscores her commitment to collective triumph over personal glory. Her desire to play on the biggest stage is a driving force behind her relentless work ethic and unwavering focus.
With her impressive form and growing reputation, Monday is naturally eager to earn more playing time with the Super Falcons. She recognizes that selection is ultimately the prerogative of the coaching staff but is committed to continually improving her skills and being prepared for any opportunity that may arise. Her time with the national team, including being an alternate player for the Paris Olympic Games, has taught her valuable lessons about patience and perseverance. While disappointed to not make the final Olympic squad, Monday maintains a positive outlook, recognizing that her time will come. She draws inspiration from the fact that many other talented players didn’t even make the initial list, and views her current situation as an opportunity to further hone her skills and prepare for future opportunities.
Monday’s football journey began in the vibrant streets of Nigeria, where she honed her skills playing with boys in Ajegunle, Orile, and Ijora. Initially discouraged from playing by her parents, her passion for the sport could not be contained. Her first experience playing with other girls came during the Lagos 2012 National Sports Festival, a pivotal moment that opened her eyes to the possibilities of women’s football. From there, she joined COD Ladies and eventually FC Robo, a club renowned for nurturing young talent, including Asisat Oshoala, a player Monday deeply admires. FC Robo, with its grassroots and professional approach, helped shape her into the player she is today. Her time with Bayelsa Queens provided another valuable stepping stone, where she consistently found the back of the net and further solidified her confidence. These experiences in the NWFL, a league known for its demanding nature, prepared her for the challenges and triumphs she now faces in Spain.
Looking ahead to the upcoming WAFCON tournament, Monday and her Super Falcons teammates are determined to reclaim their African crown. They believe that with the right preparation and a unified spirit, they have the potential to achieve this ambitious goal. The camaraderie and support within the team are evident, and they regularly communicate and encourage one another. Beyond the WAFCON, Monday also appreciates the growing presence of Nigerian players in the Spanish women’s league. This shared experience creates a sense of community and provides valuable support, particularly for newcomers navigating a new culture and environment. The connection between the Nigerian players extends both on and off the field, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie and national pride. Their collective success serves as an inspiration to aspiring young footballers back home and strengthens the reputation of Nigerian women’s football on the global stage.
