The Washington Spirit, one of the premier women’s soccer teams in the United States, has made a significant move by signing Nigerian forward Gift Monday to a three-year deal. The deal, which includes a team option for 2028, marks a major milestone for the player and the club. This transfer from Spain’s UD Tenerife comes with a reported transfer fee, though specific figures have not been disclosed.
Gift Monday, a talented and dynamic forward, has impressed throughout her career, and the Washington Spirit is excited about her potential to elevate the team’s offensive play. Head Coach Jonathan Giráldez expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, noting that Monday’s unique qualities as a forward would bring a fresh dimension to the team’s attack. “Gift has unique qualities as a forward and will add a new layer to our attacking third,” Giráldez said. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team in the near future.”
Monday’s transfer to the Spirit follows two and a half years of impressive performances with UD Tenerife, a club in Spain’s top-flight women’s football league. During her time at Tenerife, she played in over 65 matches, amassing 26 goal contributions in nearly 4,500 minutes of action. Her time in Spain has helped sharpen her skills, and the young Nigerian forward is now looking forward to the next step in her career with the Washington Spirit.
Before joining UD Tenerife, Monday played for Nigeria’s FC Robo and COD United Amazons. Her journey in Nigerian women’s football has been marked by steady growth and strong performances. She also made her debut for the Nigerian national team in 2019, and she was part of the country’s 23-player roster for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
“I am excited to join the Washington Spirit family as I have long wanted to play for the club,” Monday said in a statement. “I can’t wait to start living the dream with the Spirit!”
The Washington Spirit, based in Washington, D.C., is one of the leading teams in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the fastest-growing sports league in the United States. The Spirit was founded in 2012 and is an inaugural member of the NWSL, which has become a key platform for women’s football worldwide. Playing at Audi Field in Buzzard Point, the Spirit has become home to some of the best female footballers in the world, many of whom have won championships at both club and international levels.
The Spirit is currently riding a wave of success, having recently won the second trophy in club history at the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup. They triumphed over the Orlando Pride in a hard-fought match earlier this month. Additionally, the club set a new attendance record during its home opener, drawing a sell-out crowd for the third consecutive time at Audi Field. The arrival of Monday is expected to add to this growing momentum and bring even more attention to the team.
For Gift Monday, this new chapter in her career represents an opportunity to play at the highest level of women’s football in the United States. The NWSL is home to some of the world’s top players, and Monday’s arrival is a strong indication of the growing recognition of Nigerian talent on the global stage. Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in women’s football in Africa, and Monday’s move to the U.S. will further solidify the country’s standing in the sport.
Monday’s story is also a testament to the increasing opportunities for Nigerian footballers to play professionally abroad. Nigerian women’s football has seen significant growth over the years, and players like Monday are helping to pave the way for future generations of Nigerian talent to compete at the highest levels internationally.
The Nigerian football community has expressed pride in Monday’s accomplishments, as she continues to make strides on the international stage. As one of the standout players in Nigeria’s squad at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Monday demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure, and her transition to the NWSL is expected to further develop her skills and visibility.
The Spirit’s signing of Monday is also part of the team’s broader strategy to strengthen its squad and build for the future. The club has been focused on making smart acquisitions that will bolster both the short-term and long-term success of the team. By bringing in Monday, the Spirit not only gains a talented forward but also a player with international experience and the potential to become one of the league’s top stars.
As the 2025 NWSL season progresses, the Washington Spirit’s fans are eagerly awaiting the debut of their new signing. Monday’s arrival has already sparked excitement among supporters, who are hopeful that the Nigerian forward can help the team build on its recent successes and challenge for even greater honors.
Gift Monday’s signing also has the potential to strengthen ties between Nigerian football and American soccer, with the NWSL serving as an important platform for players from around the world. As more Nigerian players make their mark in the league, the collaboration between the two countries’ football cultures continues to grow, creating new opportunities for players and enriching the global football landscape.
