Sports
Super Falcons Star Loses Father, Promises To Make Him Proud
By Benjamin Abioye
Super Falcons player Gift Monday is mourning the death of her father, Effiom Monday Akpan, who recently passed away. He has already been buried in a private ceremony.
On Sunday, November 2, Monday confirmed his passing in a post on her X page and wrote a heartfelt tribute after the burial. She shared how much her father meant to her and how he helped guide her life and football career.
In her message, Monday described her late father as her first coach and biggest supporter. She said he taught her strong values and helped her become the person she is today. Monday, who plays in the United States for Washington Spirit in the NWSL, expressed deep sadness over losing him.
She wrote:
“Losing my father, Mr. Effiom Monday Akpan, has been one of the most difficult experiences of my life. Even though I knew that one day this moment would come, nothing truly prepares you for the silence that follows when a man who has always been your source of strength, discipline, and encouragement is no longer there.”
She added:
“My dad was more than just a father. He was my foundation. His sacrifices, his hard work, and his quiet wisdom shaped the person I have become today.”
The 23-year-old striker said her father always prayed for her before tournaments and encouraged her during tough times, especially when she represented Nigeria. She promised to continue making him proud.
She continued:
“I will forever remember his prayers before every tournament, his reassuring voice on difficult days, and the pride in his eyes each time I wore the green and white jersey of Nigeria.”
Monday also spoke about how respected her father was:
“Seeing the love and respect people had for him filled me with both sorrow and gratitude. Daddy, your legacy lives in me and in every life you touched.”
She ended her tribute with an emotional promise:
“Rest on, my hero. I will keep making you proud on and off the field.”
This year has not been easy for Gift Monday. She did not make the Super Falcons squad that won the 2024 WAFCON title, and she also missed the team’s recent qualifiers. However, she remains a key talent and recently made history in the United States by scoring the fastest hat-trick in NWSL history during a match in September 2025.
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