Nigerian international and Washington Spirit forward Gift Monday has been thrown into deep mourning following the passing of her beloved father, a man she fondly described as “my first hero and my greatest supporter.”

The news came as a shock to many within the football community, as the 23 year-old attacker took to her social media pages to pen a deeply emotional tribute that revealed the depth of her loss and love.

“My dad was more than a father, he was my foundation, his sacrifices, his wisdom, his yardwork shaped the kind of person I ma today.” She said.

Those close to Gift Monday say her father was more than just a parent, he was her constant source of motivation, a man who nurtured her passion for football from her earliest days.

That dream would one day blossom into one of Nigeria’s brightest football careers. From her breakout performances in the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) with FC Robo Queens, to lifting the WAFU Women’s Cup and representing Nigeria at the WAFCON and World Cup stages, Gift Monday has always carried her father’s influence with her, his words of discipline, humility, and courage echoing in every stride.

Now, as she mourns his passing, the football world has rallied around her. Messages of condolence have poured in from teammates, coaches, and fans, hailing her father as “a man who raised a shining ambassador for Nigerian football.”

Gift Monday’s pain is palpable, yet her resolve remains unbroken. In her closing words, she promised to keep his legacy alive through her performances on the pitch, a vow that mirrors the fighter she has always been.

“You may be gone, Daddy, but your love will forever be my light. I’ll keep playing for you, always.”

The entire Nigerian football family stands with Gift Monday in this moment of grief, as she bids farewell to the man who helped shape her journey from a dreamer to a national star.

May his gentle soul rest in peace.