Washington Spirits forward Gift Monday recently returned to the Nigerian women’s international squad for the first time in almost a year.
Monday’s recall for the Cameroon double-header gives the coaching staff enough time to see how she can be integrated to play alongside Esther Okoronkwo and Chiwendu Ihezuo.
Her return to the fold will undoubtedly trigger interest amongst the operators of the sportsbooks featured on the BettingTop10 comparison platform.
Nigeria are the favourites to win the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), and their chances of success would be boosted if Monday is in the ranks.
Bettors would be clamouring to use the bet365 Nigeria login to wager on the team if he reintegration in the national squad goes smoothly.
Monday Bends Defences out of Shape
Monday’s absence from WAFCON 2024 became the main topic of conversation in Nigeria, despite the team emerging victorious at the tournament.
Her ability to drag defenders wide creates opportunities for teammates. She provides a vertical threat that makes defensive lines retreat t and generates the oxygen that midfield runners need.
Monday refuses to rush her chances, choosing to shape her body early and read the goalkeeper’s weight to prioritise placement over shooting.
With Nigeria set to face Zambia, Egypt and Malawi in the group stage at WAFCON 2027, they cannot afford to leave Monday behind on this occasion.
Madugu’s Tactical Recalibration for WAFCON 2026
Justine Madugu’s contract extension through 2027 shows that the Nigeria Football Federation has faith in the women’s national team manager.
The 62-year-old was criticised for his tactics at the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco and Gift Monday’s exclusion from the squad
With a title to defend and a place in the 2027 Women’s World Cup on the line, he has brought Monday back into the fold.
Madugu prefers tactical width with intent, where full-backs push high, wingers invert and midfielders form a shape behind the ball. The system requires a striker who occupies central defenders long enough for patterns to settle. Monday’s presence restores the spine of the attack.
Cameroon will ask serious questions of Madugu’s structure with physical duels and quick transitions in their upcoming two-match series. The games will be crucial to Nigeria’s WAFCON preparations.
Pressure, expectation and the road to Morocco
Conspicuously absent from Madugu’s squad is six-time African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala, who now plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia’s women’s league.
The 31-year-old started Nigeria’s opening two group games at last year’s WAFCON, scoring their first goal of the tournament against Tunisia.
However, she lost her place in the starting line-up as the competition progressed, with Okoronkwo taking a more prominent role up front.
Oshoala finished the tournament with one goal as Nigeria lifted the title. She was part of the squad that beat Benin Republic over two legs to qualify for the next tournament.
Her omission from this squad comes without public explanation, although she has previously denied reports that she intended to retire from the national team. Monday’s return alters the psychological frame and Oshoala is unlikely to return.
Tournament football favours teams that capitalise on fleeting moments, where a simple loose ball on the edge of the six-yard box or a half-chance at 0-0 can shape an entire campaign.
If Nigeria are to navigate the group and secure the semi-final spots that double as World Cup qualifiers, they need a forward who treats every single touch as decisive. Monday is the ideal option.
