Super Falcons forward Gift Monday is back on the scoresheet, netting a vital goal to lead Washington Spirit to a well-deserved victory over Bay FC, the former club of Asisat Oshoala on Sunday evening.
After four appearances in the new NWSL campaign, Gift has officially opened her goal account, helping her team secure their first win of the season, Footballrover reports
Gift Monday make instant impact off the Bench
The 24-year-old forward started the game on the bench but came on to clinch the second goal of the encounter as the Spirit cruised to a 2-0 victory at PayPal Park.
Introduced in the 84th minute to replace Leicy Santos, the Nigerian international needed only three minutes on the pitch to make a massive impact.
The Spirit controlled the game from the first whistle, dominating both possession and shots on goal. However, they struggled to find the clinical finish in the first half, which ended goalless.
The visitors finally broke the deadlock 13 minutes into the second half, courtesy of an own goal by Brooklyn Courtnail.
The Bay goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz had a stroke of bad luck when her attempt to clear the ball out of the penalty area deflected off Courtnail and looped over her into her own net.
With just three minutes of regulation time remaining, Gift pounced on a rebound to double the lead and seal all three points.
She hammered the ball into the post to mark her 12th goal for the Spirit since arriving last spring.
Super Falcons star continue to build Momentum
Gift Monday looks to be a woman on a mission once again. After an impressive debut campaign where she recorded 11 goals and two assists in 28 appearances, she is already rediscovering the form that made her a standout last season.
With her scoring account now open, the Spirit will be looking to Gift to carry this momentum forward as they climb the NWSL table.
This 2-0 win allowed the Spirit to climb five places in the NWSL standings, moving them into a playoff spot just before the international break.
When the NWSL season continues, the Spirit will return home to Audi Field on Friday, April 24, for a match against the reigning Shield winners, the Kansas City Current.
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Last Updated on April 6, 2026 4:05 pm by footballrover
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