Super Falcons Star Gift Monday Shines Bright, Wins NWSL Player of the Week After Record-Breaking Hat-Trick

Super Falcons forward, Gift Monday, has etched her name in history after being named the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Player of the Week, following her sensational hat-trick performance for Washington Spirit.

The 23-year-old striker lit up the pitch on Sunday night, netting three times in a 4-0 demolition of Houston Dash. Remarkably, her treble wasn’t just decisive — it was the fastest hat-trick in NWSL history, a feat that underlines her rising star power in American soccer.

Her brilliance earned her 50.3% of the 881 total votes cast by fans, beating top contenders like Gotham FC’s Rose Lavelle (35%), Utah Royals’ goalkeeper Mia Justus (8.1%), and Kansas City Current’s Bia Zaneratto (6.7%).

So far, Monday has scored eight goals this season for Washington Spirit, further cementing her place as one of the league’s most lethal forwards.

Opinion:

Gift Monday’s rise is more than just a sporting achievement; it’s a powerful reminder of the impact Nigerian players are making on the global stage. At only 23, her performance shows not only raw talent but also resilience, discipline, and an unshakable hunger to succeed.

For Nigerian football fans, her success is especially heartwarming. It proves that our women’s game is brimming with stars capable of competing — and excelling — at the highest levels. Monday’s historic hat-trick is not just her personal glory; it’s a victory for African women’s football, shining a spotlight on a continent often overlooked in global sports narratives.

And beyond the goals and accolades, there’s an inspiring lesson here: excellence cannot be hidden. Whether in Lagos, Abuja, or Washington, when talent meets opportunity, the world will notice. Gift Monday is proof of that — a true “gift” to the game and an ambassador of Nigerian excellence abroad.