WAFCON 2026: Monday Gift Exclusion Can't Be Justified — NFF Source

WAFCON 2026: Monday Gift Exclusion Can't Be Justified — NFF Source

Sampson Adedeji

A highly–placed source within the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has stated that the continuous exclusion of in-form Washington Spirit forward Monday Gift from the Super Falcons squad cannot be justified before Nigerians, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Gift, who has been in impressive form in the United States, missed the last WAFCON in Morocco and was also left out of the squad for the recent qualifiers against Benin Republic.

Her absence has generated intense debate among football followers, who believe her current form warrants a place in the national team.

Speaking to journalist Osasuo Obayiuwana, the NFF official who requested anonymity clarified that the decision on player selection rests solely with Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu.

“The coach has been told that her exclusion from the team can’t be justified to Nigerians. He said the player will be in his WAFCON 2026 plans. But her inclusion is still up to him. We don’t force players on any coach,” the source revealed.

With WÀFCON 2026 fast approaching, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether Monday Gift receives the long-awaited call-up as the Super Falcons continue their preparation for the continental tournament.