Super Falcons forward Gift Monday continued her impressive run in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) on Sunday evening, delivering a crucial goal to help Washington Spirit clinch a 3-1 home victory against North Carolina Courage.
The 22-year-old Nigerian star was once again in the thick of the action at Audi Field, playing 74 minutes and leaving her mark in the 58th minute. Rising to meet a precise cross from Narumi Miura, Monday powered home a header that restored Washington Spirit’s two-goal cushion and brought her season tally to four goals and one assist in just eight matches.
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Washington Spirit had earlier grabbed the lead in the 24th minute through Courtney Brown, who scored her first goal of the season. The home crowd erupted again when Brittany Ratcliffe doubled the advantage with a sharp header off a Casey Krueger delivery.
However, the North Carolina Courage refused to back down. Manaka Matsukubo’s deft chip over goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury in the 31st minute gave the visitors hope, trimming the deficit to 2-1.
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Gift Monday’s well-timed goal ensured the Spirit maintained control, effectively silencing any comeback hopes from the Courage. The Nigerian forward’s latest strike not only highlighted her aerial prowess but also reaffirmed her growing confidence in front of goal.
The victory sees Washington Spirit extend their unbeaten run to four matches and move level on points with Orlando Pride in the NWSL standings, though they remain third due to an inferior goal difference.
Looking ahead, Gift Monday and her teammates will turn their focus to a challenging away fixture against Portland Thorns FC on Sunday, June 15, 2025. For Monday, who has been a revelation this season, there’s even more at stake. The former FC Robo star will be hoping her sizzling club form earns her a deserved call-up to the Super Falcons squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), set to kick off next month.
As Gift Monday continues to dazzle in the NWSL, Nigerian fans and Super Falcons supporters alike have every reason to believe that she could be a key piece of the puzzle in Nigeria’s continental campaign.
