Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu is under fire following the controversial omission of in-form striker Gift Monday from the latest squad selection.
Justine Madugu, who led Nigeria’s Super Falcons to WAFCON glory, has faced intense scrutiny from fans after excluding the prolific NWSL star Gift Monday from the upcoming team roster.
As reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria, Madugu announced a competitive 21-player squad in preparation for the Super Falcons’ campaign to retain their WAFCON title.
Details of the Super Falcons Squad
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officially published the squad list, which was also circulated on the Super Falcons’ official social media platforms. The lineup boasts seasoned players like Asisat Oshoala, Esther Okoronkwo, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, and rising star Joy Omewa.
Nevertheless, the glaring omission of Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday has sparked heated debates online, with many questioning the logic behind leaving out a player in such remarkable form in the US league.
With the squad now set, the team is gearing up for their upcoming encounter against Benin, a side determined to overturn the recent heavy defeat their male counterparts suffered against Nigeria’s Super Eagles.
Fan Reactions and Public Outcry
The 21-player roster comprises six forwards, five midfielders, and seven defenders, including captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who recently scored her maiden Champions League goal for PSG. Despite this, the focus remains on the surprising exclusion of Gift Monday.
At just 23, Monday has been a revelation for Washington Spirit this season, tallying an impressive 11 combined goals and assists over 24 matches.
Her eight goals place her as the joint-second top African scorer in the league. Monday recently etched her name in NWSL history by netting the fastest hat-trick, and just hours before the squad announcement, she scored against Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Monday’s last outing for the Super Falcons was a November 2024 friendly against France, where she assisted Nigeria’s only goal in a narrow 2-1 defeat.
The squad announcement immediately ignited a wave of criticism from fans, many of whom voiced their frustration in the comment sections. Notably, acclaimed photojournalist Pooja was among the most outspoken detractors.
“It’s baffling why Gift Monday keeps being sidelined by the Super Falcons. She’s broken records in the US, stands as the leading African striker in the league with a historic hat-trick, yet is overlooked while others from the same league get called up. When a player is in top form, national team inclusion should be automatic,” Pooja stated.
“This is a disgrace,” one supporter lamented, while others echoed, “Something definitely isn’t right.”
Gift Monday’s most recent appearance for the Super Falcons was the November 2024 friendly against France, where she assisted Nigeria’s sole goal in a 2-1 loss.
The first leg of the upcoming qualifier will be hosted at Stade Kegue in Lome, with the exact date pending due to Benin’s lack of a CAF-approved stadium.
The return fixture is slated for Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta, Nigeria.