Official: Nigeria international striker leaves Spain for Washington Spirit move

Washington Spirit have confirmed the signing of Nigerian international Gift Monday on a three-year contract, with the deal including a team option for 2028, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The 23-year-old forward arrives from Spanish side UD Tenerife for an undisclosed transfer fee.

Monday was enjoying an impressive campaign in the Spanish top flight before making the switch to the United States. She scored ten goals and provided three assists in 19 league appearances for Tenerife this season and was named Liga F’s Player of the Month for February.

Spirit head coach Jonathan Giráldez expressed his excitement over the signing, highlighting Monday’s attacking qualities.

“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.”

Washington Spirit have signed Nigeria international Gift Monday from UD Tenerife on a three-year contract pic.twitter.com/Ftek5JGiRv

— Soccerdonna (@soccerdonna) March 25, 2025

Monday, who has 26 goal contributions in 65 appearances for Tenerife since joining in 2022, previously played in Nigeria for FC Robo and COD United Amazons.

She made her senior debut for the Super Falcons in 2019 and was part of the squad that competed at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Sharing her enthusiasm about the move, Monday expressed her eagerness to get started with her new club.

“I am excited to join the Washington Spirit family as I have long wanted to play for the club,” she said. “I can’t wait to start living the dream.”

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Gift Monday: A new Nigerian star in the States

Monday first made a name for herself in Nigeria’s domestic league, inspiring Bayelsa Queens to the 2021–22 league title and finishing as the season’s top scorer.

Her performances earned her a move to Spain, where she quickly adapted to European football.

The first GIFT of this week is witnessing a beautiful MONDAY. Grateful heart ❤️ pic.twitter.com/GMPMw3lVMx

— Gift Monday (@GiftMonday21) February 10, 2025

Internationally, Monday has been a key player for Nigeria across multiple age categories.

She featured at the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup before leading the Super Falcons to gold at the 2019 African Games, where Nigeria defeated Cameroon on penalties.

She was also part of the squad that won the 2021 Turkish Women’s Cup, making history as the first African team to claim the title. In that tournament, she contributed a goal in Nigeria’s dominant 9-0 victory over Equatorial Guinea.

Monday’s signing is a significant addition for Washington Spirit as they strengthen their squad for the upcoming NWSL season.