Gift Monday: Nigerian star nets first-ever goal against Barcelona as Tenerife crash out of Copa de la Reina

Nigerian international Gift Monday was on target for UD Tenerife as the club fell to a crushing 6-2 defeat against Barcelona in the round of 16 of the Copa de la Reina on Saturday afternoon, Soccernet.ng reports.

Monday had found little joy when playing against Barcelona since she arrived at UD Tenerife from Nigerian club Rivers Angel in September 2022.

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The Super Falcons forward had faced the Spanish giants five times, with Tenerife losing all, while Monday failed to hit the back of the net against the perennial champions.

However, despite Tenerife’s defeat on Saturday, Monday had something to celebrate against Barcelona inside the Campo de Fútbol de Adeje after she grabbed her first-ever goal against the reigning Copa de la Reina winners.

Monday grabbed her moment in the 41st minute with Tenerife already trailing Barcelona by two-nil.

The Akwa Ibom-born attacker took advantage of a long pass from Pisco, beat Barcelona defender Irene Paredes before finishing smartly past goalkeeper Cata Coll.

Monday’s goal spurred Tenerife back to life and on the stroke of halftime, the home team levelled proceeding with a goal from Polish star Aleksandra Zaremba.

However, Barcelona regrouped after the break to slam four goals past Tenerife and advance to the quarterfinals of the Queens Cup.

Before exiting the competition, Monday registered two goals in two games, raising her overall tally to three goals in six appearances.

The 23-year-old Nigerian forward has also managed four goals in 11 league games which has contributed to Tenerife’s impressive 7th-place standing on the Primera Division Femenina table.