Spirit sign Nigerian F Gift Monday to 3-year deal

WASHINGTON: The Washington Spirit announced a three-year deal with Nigerian forward Gift Monday on Tuesday.

The deal includes a 2028 team option and an undisclosed transfer fee paid to Spanish side UD Tenerife.

“Gift has unique qualities as a forward and will add a new layer to our attacking third,” Spirit coach Jonathan Giraldez said. “We’re thrilled to welcome her to the team in the near future.”

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Monday, 23, recorded 26 goal contributions in 65 matches with UD Tenerife from 2022-25. She previously played for Nigeria’s FC Robo and COD United Amazons.

She made her senior debut for the Nigerian national team in 2019 and participated in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“I am excited to join the Washington Spirit family as I have long wanted to play for the club,” Monday said. “I can’t wait to start living the dream.”

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Separately, Striker Beth Mead and midfielder Fran Kirby have also returned from injury while Maisie Symonds has earned her first England call-up on Tuesday in Sarina Wiegman’s 25-player squad for next month’s Women’s Nations League matches with Belgium.

Back-to-back wins against Group A3 bottom side Belgium would be a significant boost for England, who are tied with group leaders Portugal on four points with only one team set to qualify for the Nations League finals later this year.