Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday has been reinstated to Nigeria’s Super Falcons roster for two friendly matches against Cameroon, marking the end of her disputed exclusion from the team. The fixtures are scheduled for February 28 and March 3 in Yaoundé, serving as warm-up games ahead of the 13th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
Coach Justin Madugu confirmed Monday’s inclusion when announcing a 25-player squad on Wednesday for the friendlies against the Indomitable Lionesses. These games are key preparatory steps toward the WAFCON tournament, which will run from March 17 to April 3. The top four teams at that event will secure automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Reasons Behind Monday’s Previous Exclusion and Recent Performance
Gift Monday, age 23, was controversially left out of Nigeria’s squad that triumphed at the 2025 WAFCON in Morocco, despite impressive form in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with Washington Spirit. At the time, she refuted claims that an injury was the cause of her omission. She was also not selected for the WAFCON qualifiers in October, raising questions about her standing within the squad.
However, Monday’s consistent output during the recent NWSL season, where she scored 11 goals and assisted twice over 28 appearances, appears to have influenced her recall. Her return is viewed as a significant boost for Nigeria’s attack ahead of the continental tournament.
Notable Absence of Asisat Oshoala from the Current Squad
One of the most surprising aspects of Madugu’s squad announcement is the absence of Asisat Oshoala, a six-time African Women’s Player of the Year and Nigeria’s standout striker. Currently playing for Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia’s women’s league, Oshoala was part of Nigeria’s winning team at the last WAFCON, contributing one goal in the competition.
Although she began the previous WAFCON as a starter and scored Nigeria’s opening goal against Tunisia, Oshoala lost her starting position as the tournament progressed, with Esther Okoronkwo establishing herself as the primary forward. Despite reports suggesting possible retirement, Oshoala has denied any intent to step away from the national team. Her removal from the latest squad came without official explanation.
Other Key Changes and Debutants in the Super Falcons Lineup
The squad also welcomes back midfielder Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene, based in Canada, who last featured for Nigeria during the 2022 WAFCON. Her previous exclusion under former coach Randy Waldrum was widely debated, making this return notable. Tanzania-based midfielder Precious Christopher receives her first senior call-up, signaling the coaching staff’s interest in expanding the team’s depth.
England-based goalkeeper Comfort Erhabor of Portsmouth Ladies has also earned her debut invitation, while Mexico-based Club América defender Chidinma Okeke joins the roster again. These selections suggest a blend of experienced and emerging talents as Nigeria prepares for an intense tournament schedule.
Changes in Fixture Plans and Upcoming Competitions
The two friendlies against Cameroon replace a cancelled West African Football Union (WAFU) Zone B tournament that was due to feature four nations. Consequently, these matches remain Nigeria’s only confirmed engagements in the international window before the WAFCON campaign begins.
As 10-time African champions, the Super Falcons will open their title defense in Morocco facing Malawi, led by forward Temwa Chawinga. The team’s preparations will be closely watched as they aim to maintain continental supremacy and secure World Cup qualification.
Comprehensive Roster for the Upcoming Fixtures
Goalkeepers: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Comfort Erhabor (Portsmouth Ladies, England), Fatima Oloko (Abia Angels), Anderline Mgbechi (Rivers Angels)
Defenders: 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), Chidinma Okeke (Club América, Mexico)
Midfielders: 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), Precious Christopher (Yanga Princess, Tanzania)
Forwards: 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), Omorinsola Babajide (AS Roma, Italy)
Implications of the Squad Selection for Nigeria’s Future
The return of Gift Monday could strengthen Nigeria’s offensive line with her proven scoring ability, while the absence of Asisat Oshoala raises questions about team dynamics and selection criteria as the tournament approaches. Incorporating fresh talent like Precious Christopher and Comfort Erhabor suggests an evolving strategy by coach Justin Madugu to balance experience with youth.
With the Cameroon friendlies set to offer valuable match experience, the Super Falcons will test their preparations before facing tough competition in Morocco. Maintaining their status as African champions remains a driving priority for this squad, alongside securing a spot in the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.
