Gift Monday is back at it again, doing what she knows how to do best—delivering goals when it matters most—despite missing out on the WAFCON 2024 trophy with the Super Falcons.

The Nigerian goal machine returned to scoring form with a clinical finish for her club, Washington Spirit, inspiring the team to a narrow home victory over Portland Thorns FC on Sunday, Footballrover reports.

Gift Monday Fires Up Washington Spirit After WAFCON Miss

While Monday made headlines for her goal, her compatriot Deborah Abiodun, currently out on loan, played a crucial role in helping Nigeria lift the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

As NWSL action resumed over the weekend, Monday led the line for the Spirit with an early strike that paved the way for a thrilling 2-1 victory at Audi Field.

It took the Nigerian forward just 17 minutes to find the opener. Her left-footed shot from close range hit the centre of the post after a smart assist from Rosemonde Kouassi.

Kouassi, on a powerful attacking run from the right wing, shrugged off her marker, created space, and squared the ball for Monday to finish with a simple tap-in.

The 23-year-old forward now boasts five goals and one assist in 11 appearances this season for the Spirits, showing consistent form since the campaign began.

Just before halftime, Olivia Moultrie equalised for Portland Thorns FC, ensuring both sides went into the break level at 1-1.

Early Strike from Monday Ignites NWSL Thriller

Despite spirited efforts in the second half, neither team found the net again until two minutes into stoppage time.

Super sub Trinity Rodman came off the bench to replace Kouassi and delivered the decisive blow, scoring a late winner that sealed all three points for the Spirit.

After a six-week break from regular-season play, Washington Spirit returned with a well-earned win and valuable points.

With this result, the Spirit now sits second on the NWSL table with an 8-2-4 record and 26 points—ten behind league leaders Kansas City Current.

Following today’s game, Washington Spirit will gear up for a high-stakes rivalry clash against Gotham FC next Saturday as part of the NWSL’s first-ever Rivalry Weekend.

Meanwhile, Monday was subsequently named Player of the Match, thanks to her impact in the game.

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Last Updated on August 4, 2025 5:58 am by Sir Kris