Super Falcons Midfielder Deborah Abiodun is making the leap from collegiate soccer to the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) after signing with the Washington Spirit for the 2025 season. The Spirit announced the signing, making Abiodun one of the team’s first rookies for the upcoming season.
She has signed a three-year contract with a 2028 option and will take up an international slot on the team’s roster.
“I’m beyond excited to take this next step in my career by joining Washington Spirit,” Abiodun said. “This is more than just a dream for me—it’s a purpose I’ve dedicated myself to, and I’m ready to give everything I have to the game. The Spirit is the perfect environment to help me grow and reach my goals.”
Impressive College Career at Pitt
Abiodun enjoyed an outstanding freshman season at the University of Pittsburgh in 2023, helping the Panthers reach the Elite Eight for the first time in program history.
Starting 19 of 22 games, she scored six goals and recorded three assists. Among her standout performances were two goals in a 6-1 victory over Duquesne, a crucial equalizer against No. 10 Notre Dame, and assists in wins over Boston College and Wake Forest.
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She also excelled in the NCAA Tournament, scoring in both the First Round (a 6-0 win over Ohio State) and the Sweet 16 (a 3-0 victory over Memphis), playing a key role in Pitt’s historic Elite Eight run.
Welcome to DC, Deborah! pic.twitter.com/KOCjUscwHX
— Washington Spirit – x (@WashSpirit) January 6, 2025
Abiodun’s stellar freshman campaign earned her All-ACC Third Team and All-ACC Freshman Team honors.
A Strong Sophomore Year Despite Injuries
Although Abiodun faced injury setbacks during her sophomore year in 2024, she still managed to start nine of the 12 games she played. She scored four goals, including two game-winners, and earned All-ACC Second Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region Third Team honors.
International Experience with Nigeria
Abiodun’s talents also extend to the international stage. She was selected for the Super Falcons’ 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad in Australia and New Zealand and was part of Nigeria’s team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
![Nigeria gets five 2023 CAF Awards top-three entries Nigeria will be in contention for 2023 CAF awards as, Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Deborah Abiodun and the Super Falcons have made the top-three shortlist for award categories. This is according to official announcement by the Confederation of African football [CAF] via its X handle on Thursday, December 7, 2023. CAF trimmed the list of nominees to three for the men and women award categories ahead of the grand-ceremony in Morocco, this weekend. In the men's category, Victor Osimhen will battle, Mohamed Salah [Egypt] and Achraf Hakimi [Morocco] for the Player of the year award. In the women's category, Nigeria is in contention in four categories. Super Falcons and FC Barcelona striker, Asisat Oshoala is up against South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Barbara Banda of Zambia for the Women’s player of the year award. Oshoala who has won the award for a record five times will eye a sixth crown with Thembi Kgatlana expected to mount a serious challenge. Paris FC and Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie is favourite to land the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. The 22-year old is in the top-three alongside Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini. Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun will face Comfort Yeboah of Ghana and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad for the Young Player of the Year, award. Also, the Super Falcons of Nigeria , are in the top-three for the National Team of the Year (Women) award. Fast-rising Morocco and current African champions South Africa, complete the shortlist for that category. American coach, Randy Waldrum is not in the top-three for the Coach of the Year award. Reynald Pedro of Morocco, Desiree Ellis of South Africa, and Jerry Tshabalala of Mamelodi Sundowns are preferred to the former Super Falcons coach. The 2023 CAF Awards ceremony will take place in Morocco on December 11, 2023.](https://www.theathletic.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/images-4-8-1280x720-1-300x180.jpeg)
![Nigeria gets five 2023 CAF Awards top-three entries Nigeria will be in contention for 2023 CAF awards as, Victor Osimhen, Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Deborah Abiodun and the Super Falcons have made the top-three shortlist for award categories. This is according to official announcement by the Confederation of African football [CAF] via its X handle on Thursday, December 7, 2023. CAF trimmed the list of nominees to three for the men and women award categories ahead of the grand-ceremony in Morocco, this weekend. In the men's category, Victor Osimhen will battle, Mohamed Salah [Egypt] and Achraf Hakimi [Morocco] for the Player of the year award. In the women's category, Nigeria is in contention in four categories. Super Falcons and FC Barcelona striker, Asisat Oshoala is up against South Africa’s Thembi Kgatlana and Barbara Banda of Zambia for the Women’s player of the year award. Oshoala who has won the award for a record five times will eye a sixth crown with Thembi Kgatlana expected to mount a serious challenge. Paris FC and Super Falcons star, Chiamaka Nnadozie is favourite to land the CAF Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year award. The 22-year old is in the top-three alongside Khadija Er-Rmichi of Morocco and South Africa’s Andile Dlamini. Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun will face Comfort Yeboah of Ghana and Morocco’s Nesryne El Chad for the Young Player of the Year, award. Also, the Super Falcons of Nigeria , are in the top-three for the National Team of the Year (Women) award. Fast-rising Morocco and current African champions South Africa, complete the shortlist for that category. American coach, Randy Waldrum is not in the top-three for the Coach of the Year award. Reynald Pedro of Morocco, Desiree Ellis of South Africa, and Jerry Tshabalala of Mamelodi Sundowns are preferred to the former Super Falcons coach. The 2023 CAF Awards ceremony will take place in Morocco on December 11, 2023.](https://www.theathletic.com.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/images-4-8-1280x720-1-80x80.jpeg)
