Gift Monday’s exclusion from Nigeria’s Super Falcons 24-player squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) has sparked mixed reactions among supporters and football observers.
The decision by Falcons coach Justin Madugu to leave out the in-form forward, who has been a consistent performer at club level, has raised questions and stirred debates across social media platforms. While some supporters believe the team’s selection was based on tactical needs, others view her omission as a surprising and controversial move ahead of the continental tournament.
Since joining Washington Spirit, the 23-year-old has impressed with four goals and an assist in just nine appearances in the NWSL, playing a key role in the club’s push for a league title they last secured in 2021.
Before her move to the U.S, Gift Monday was a fan favourite at Spanish club UD Tenerife, where she scored four goals and contributed three assists in her first season, followed by six goals and one assist in her second year.
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The 2024–25 season turned out to be Gift Monday’s most prolific, as she found the net 12 times and added three assists across 21 matches. Her outstanding form also earned her the Liga F Player of the Month award for February, following a remarkable run of five goals in five straight games.
For the national team, Gift Monday has progressed through Nigeria’s youth and senior levels with notable success. She featured for the U‑20 side at the 2018 FIFA Women’s World Cup, captained the team to its first African Games gold in 12 years in 2019, debuted for the Super Falcons in early 2021 during their historic Turkish Women’s Cup victory, and was later included in Nigeria’s squads for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and as an alternate for the 2024 Olympic team.
Due to her outstanding performances, supporters have openly criticised the decision to leave her out of the squad, especially as the Super Falcons chase a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Although there were claims that an injury was the reason behind her omission, Gift Monday dismissed those rumours on her Instagram story, stating, “I am not injured, I am very much healthy.”
Following the unexpected exclusion of Gift Monday, @tØsinadeda took to X to express frustration, stating, “It’s a travesty to leave out Gift Monday if Ordega can make the team.” Supporting this opinion, @Ohams4NewNaija added, “Serious travesty. What do they have against that lady? She’s arguably our best attacking player, yet they’ve always kept her on the bench, and this time they leave her out completely? Something doesn’t add up.”
Sharing a similar sentiment, @YinkaTinuade questioned the absence of the talented forward, commenting, “Glad to see Plumptre back in the squad but Monday Gift omitted, why?”
On the other hand, some fans expressed approval of the final squad. @Rae_Izah remarked, “A blend of experience and youth. Great list,” while @profniga praised the choices, saying, “The Team selected is perfect without sentiment, I give it to you at last. Let us conquer Africa, Ladies!”
Other fans also raised concerns about the inclusion of veteran forwards like Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala. @latino_iyke shared his thoughts, saying, “I respect what Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala has done for the country, they were a joy to watch but not anymore. Adding them to the squad is a biased decision, there are a lot of energetic and talented ladies who deserve those spot and are ready to deliver.”
The decision to leave out Gift Monday has stirred debate, highlighting the tension between experience and current form in squad selection. As the Super Falcons gear up for their WAFCON campaign, the spotlight now shifts to whether the selected players can justify the choices made and lead Nigeria to a historic 10th title.
The 2024 WAFCON will take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26 and the Super Falcons will kick off their campaign on July 6 against Tunisia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca.
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