Washington Spirit striker, Monday Gift has once again been excluded from Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad by head coach Justin Madugu, as the reigning African champions prepare for their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifying double-header against Benin Republic.
The decision has raised eyebrows among fans and analysts, given the forward’s outstanding form in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) this season.
Read Also: Monday Gift Makes NWSL History with Record Hat-Trick as Spirit Clinch Playoff Spot
‘Will Keep Fighting for My Shirt’ – Monday Gift
Monday Gift has been in scintillating form for Washington Spirit, netting eight goals this season, standing among the NWSL’s top scorers and above most of the strikers in Nigeria’s latest squad.
Shockingly, Madugu has again chosen to overlook the former Bay FC player, continuing a pattern that began when she was dropped ahead of the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco, which the Super Falcons went on to win.
While many expected her form to force a recall, Gift remains on the sidelines. Earlier in the season, she told ESPN that she remained determined to reclaim her place:
“It’s a big challenge for me, but I’m going to face it and keep pushing until I get my shirt,” she said.
The 22-year-old shared she will remain consistent and will keep proving herself in the United States until her country comes calling again.
“I believe my time will come, I just have to keep working,” she said earlier this year.
Read Also: Monday Gift ‘Hopes’ to Get Called-Up to the Super Falcons Camp
Abiodun Included, Big Names Return
While Monday was omitted, her Washington Spirit teammate Deborah Abiodun made the 21-player squad.
Madugu’s selection is loaded, featuring six-time African Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, who recently completed a move from Bay FC to Al Hilal FC in Saudi Arabia.
Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently scored for Paris Saint-Germain in the UEFA Women’s Champions League against Real Madrid, also headlines the list.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders Michelle Alozie and Ashleigh Plumptre, and midfielders Jennifer Echegini, Christy Ucheibe, and Abiodun all retain their spots.
Rising stars Joy Omewa of Fortuna Hjørring and Folashade Ijamilusi, now with Liaoning Baiye FC in China, are also included after impressing in recent club performances.
Benin Clash: WAFCON Qualification and Beyond
Nigeria will face Benin Republic in a two-legged tie, starting with the first leg on October 23 at the Stade Kégué in Lomé, Togo, since Benin lacks a CAF-approved stadium.
The return leg will take place on October 28 in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
The Super Falcons, 10-time African champions, are heavy favourites to progress to the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
The tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying pathway for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Madugu’s 21-Player Squad for Benin Clash
Goalkeepers:
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Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England)
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Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
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Rachael Unachukwu (Nasarawa Amazons)
Defenders:
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Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca, Mexico)
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Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy)
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Michelle Alozie (Houston Dash, USA)
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Ashleigh Plumptre (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia)
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Blessing Ilivieda (Bayelsa Queens)
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Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray, Turkey)
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Miracle Usani (Abia Angels)
Midfielders:
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Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
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Taiwo Afolabi (Rivers Angels)
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Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA)
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Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France)
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Christy Ucheibe (Benfica, Portugal)
Forwards:
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Asisat Oshoala (Al Hilal FC, Saudi Arabia)
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Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca, Mexico)
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Joy Omewa (Fortuna Hjørring, Denmark)
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Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada)
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Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Baiye FC, China)
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Kafayat Mafisere (Edo Queens)
