Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday has been named in Nigeria’s Super Falcons squad for two friendly matches against Cameroon, ending her disputed absence from the national team. Head coach Justin Madugu announced the 25-player roster on Wednesday for games scheduled in Yaoundé on February 28 and March 3 as part of preparations for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Friendlies Ahead of Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
The matches against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lionesses are crucial warm-up fixtures ahead of the 13th edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, set to be held in Morocco from March 17 to April 3. This tournament’s semifinalists will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, amplifying the importance of these upcoming games for Nigeria’s title defense.
Gift Monday Returns After Earlier Exclusion Controversy
At 23 years old, Gift Monday had been controversially left out of the Super Falcons squad that triumphed at WAFCON in Morocco in July 2025, despite notable performances for Washington Spirit in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Monday refuted reports attributing her omission to injury, and after being overlooked for WAFCON qualifying matches last October, her strong statistics—11 goals and 2 assists in 28 matches—appear to have earned her re-entry into the squad.
Absence of Star Forward Asisat Oshoala Draws Attention
Conspicuously missing from Madugu’s current squad is six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, who now plays for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia’s women’s league. The 31-year-old started Nigeria’s first two group stage matches at last year’s WAFCON, scoring the team’s opening goal against Tunisia. However, Esther Okoronkwo gradually took on a larger attacking role, and Oshoala finished the tournament with just one goal as Nigeria secured the championship.
Oshoala also participated in Nigeria’s qualifying victory over Benin Republic by starting in the second leg at home but was left out of this recent squad without any official explanation. She has previously dismissed rumors about retiring from international play.
Squad Features Returning Veterans and Fresh Faces
The squad includes the return of Canada-based midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, who last represented Nigeria at the 2022 WAFCON, and whose earlier omission under former coach Randy Waldrum had been widely debated. Tanzania-based midfielder Precious Christopher and England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor of Portsmouth Ladies receive their first senior call-ups, while Mexico-based defender Chidinma Okeke rejoins the team.
The two friendlies against Cameroon replace a planned WAFU Zone B four-nation tournament that was cancelled, leaving these matches as Nigeria’s only scheduled fixtures before the Africa Cup of Nations.
Overview of Nigeria’s Super Falcons Squad Composition
The Super Falcons squad consists of players from diverse clubs worldwide. Goalkeepers include Chiamaka Nnadozie from Brighton & Hove Albion in England, Comfort Erhabor of Portsmouth Ladies (England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels), and Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels). The defense features Osinachi Ohale (Pachuca CF, Mexico), Shukurat Oladipo (AS Roma, Italy), Michelle Alozie (Olivia Wynn, USA), Ashleigh Plumptre (Ittihad Ladies FC, Saudi Arabia), Glory Ogbonna (FC Kiryat Gat, Israel), Oluwatosin Demehin (Galatasaray Sportive, Turkey), Sikiratu Isah (Bnot Netanya, Israel), and Chidinma Okeke (Club América, Mexico).
The midfield includes Halimatu Ayinde (Sweden), Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene (Ottawa Rapids, Canada), Deborah Abiodun (Washington Spirit, USA), Jennifer Echegini (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Christy Ucheibe (SL Benfica, Portugal), and newcomer Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania). Forward options feature Rasheedat Ajibade (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Chinwendu Ihezuo (Pachuca CF, Mexico), Gift Monday (Washington Spirit, USA), Joy Omewa (Nottingham Forest, England), Esther Okoronkwo (AFC Toronto, Canada), Folashade Ijamilusi (Liaoning Shenyang Shenbei Hefeng, China), and Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy).
Implications for Nigeria’s Title Defense and Future Competitions
Nigeria, as the reigning 10-time African champions, face considerable expectations to defend their crown at WAFCON in Morocco next month, starting with a group stage match against Malawi’s Temwa Chawinga-led side. The reintegration of Gift Monday could bolster Nigeria’s attacking options, especially in the absence of Asisat Oshoala, raising questions about team dynamics and strategic adjustments by coach Justin Madugu. The upcoming friendlies will test the squad’s cohesion and readiness for the challenges ahead in the continent’s premier women’s football competition, which also serves as a gateway to the World Cup.
“She was passed over again for WAFCON qualifying fixtures in October, but her performances, where she ranked among the NWSL’s better finishers this past season with 11 goals and two assists from 28 matches, appear to have finally forced the issue.” – Colin Udoh, Editor
“Her omission from this squad comes without public explanation, though she has previously denied reports that she intended to retire from the national team.” – Colin Udoh, Editor
