Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu has explained his decision to omit forward Monday Gift from his final squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Monday was one of the notable omissions from the 24-player squad released by Madugu last week Friday.
The 23-year-old has been in fantastic form for America’s National Women’s Soccer League, NWSL, side Washington Spirit since her arrival from UD Tenerife in March.
The FC Robo Queens player has racked up four goals and one assist in nine league appearances for Spirit.
Madugu has been widely criticised for his decision to drop the striker.
The gaffer has however defended his decision stating that other quality players were dropped too.
“These players are all national assets. Leaving anyone out is painful. However, CAF regulations limit the number of players we can take,” Madugu said during a media parley in Abuja.
“We carried out detailed analysis across all positions — assessing strengths, weaknesses, and flexibility. It’s not just Gift; there were others we would have loved to include too.”
The Super Falcons will take on Portugal in a friendly on Monday night.
They will face also Ghana’s Black Queens in another friendly on Friday.
