One door closes, another swings open — that’s the story of Gift Monday and Joy Omewa inside Justin Madugu’s latest Super Falcons squad.
As Monday endures yet another painful snub despite a blistering season in the the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Omewa finally steps into the spotlight with her first senior call-up.
Gift Monday’s omission raises familiar questions
For the second consecutive window, Gift Monday has been left out of Madugu’s 21-woman squad—a decision that’s hard to justify given her red-hot form for Washington Spirit in the NWSL.
The 23-year-old forward has been one of the league’s most clinical finishers this season, scoring nine goals in fifteen matches and inspiring Spirit to a CONCACAF Women’s Champions Cup semifinal place.
Her record-breaking hat-trick against Houston Dash and decisive strike in a 4–0 rout of Monterrey Femenil show her ruthless consistency.
Yet, despite such form, her name remains missing from the Super Falcons roster.
Madugu’s previous explanation during the 2024 WAFCON revolved around “tactical balance”, but with Nigeria preparing for crucial 2026 WAFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic, fans are left wondering what more Monday must do to reclaim her place.
Joy Omewa’s consistency finally rewarded
At the other end, Joy Omewa’s call-up feels like overdue recognition. The 22-year-old Fortuna Hjørring striker has earned her first senior national team invitation after a blistering run of form in Denmark.
Omewa has netted 14 goals across all competitions this season — six in Europe and eight in the Danish A-Liga — and recently celebrated her 100th club appearance.
Her match-winning goal against Vorskla Poltava in the UEFA Women’s Europa Cup showed the kind of sharpness Nigeria could use up front.
The former Confluence Queens forward, who once dazzled at U-17 and U-20 levels, has developed into a complete striker — intelligent, composed, and relentless.
Her inclusion not only strengthens Nigeria’s attacking depth but also symbolises a refreshing blend of youth and experience in Madugu’s side.
While Monday continues to wait for her chance, Omewa will be hoping to take her chances when called upon.
The Super Falcons will prepare for their decisive WAFCON qualifiers—first leg away on October 24 and return at the MKO Abiola Sports Complex, Abeokuta, on October 28.
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