Super Falcons striker Gift Monday has publicly addressed her surprise exclusion from the squad heading to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The Washington Spirit forward firmly denied reports that an injury was the reason behind her omission from Coach Justine Madugu’s final list.
Madugu’s 24-woman squad includes familiar faces such as captain Rasheedat Ajibade, first-choice goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie. Also in the list are star forwards Francisca Ordega and Asisat Oshoala.
With Nigeria aiming for a record-extending 10th continental title, many had expected Monday’s name to feature after her standout performances both in Spain and the United States.
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However, reacting swiftly to speculations about her fitness, Gift Monday took to Instagram to set the record straight. “I am not injured; I am very much healthy,” the talented striker wrote on her Instagram story.
Her omission comes as a major talking point given her exceptional 2024/25 season form. The 22-year-old dazzled with Tenerife and Washington Spirit, where she made 28 appearances. Impressively, she scored 14 goals and provided 4 assists. Understandably, fans and pundits alike have expressed shock that such an in-form player did not make the cut.
Although Coach Madugu has yet to officially comment on her exclusion, many believe the competition for attacking spots—dominated by the likes of Oshoala, Ordega, and young prospects—may have influenced the final decision.
Nevertheless, the debates surrounding Monday’s omission are unlikely to die down soon, especially as Nigeria prepares for what promises to be an intense tournament in Morocco from July 5 to 26.
Nigeria will play friendly games against Portugal and Ghana later in June as part of preparation for the WAFCON tournament.
Tags: #WAFCON2024, Gift Monday, #MissionX, Justine Madugu, #SoarSuperFalcons, Super Falcons, Francisca Ordega, Asisat Oshoala, Tenerife, Rasheedat Ajibade.
