Not every heartbreak plays out on the field. For Nigerian forward Gift Monday, the pain came off it, in the form of being left out of the official Super Falcons squad for the upcoming WAFCON.
The Washington Spirit forward, long seen as one of Nigeria’s brightest rising stars, was notably absent from the final roster. But instead of responding with bitterness or public disappointment, she turned to social media with a message full of grace, strength, and patriotism.
“While it hurts and is a tough pill to swallow, I want to make it clear that I hold no grudges, no resentment,” she wrote. “I am hale and hearty, fully fit, and still deeply in love with the game and the green white green.”
Her words were a masterclass in maturity. Monday emphasized her unwavering support for the Super Falcons, making it clear that though she won’t be on the pitch in Morocco, her spirit remains with the team.
“I remain fully committed to cheering my country from home,” she added. “I’ll lift every prayer and every shout of support.”
She didn’t stop there, in a message to her teammates, Monday urged them to wear the Nigerian jersey with pride. “You carry the hopes of millions, including mine,” she said, offering encouragement, not envy.
The post ended with a quiet but powerful vow, “I’ll be watching. I’ll be believing. I’ll be back.”
As Nigeria gears up for another run at continental glory, Gift Monday may not be on the team sheet, but her voice, her heart, and her hope remain very much part of the journey.
