2023 CAF Awards: Deborah Abiodun loses Young Player of the Year to Lille star

 Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria mercurial midfielder, Deborah Abiodun missed out of the African Young Player of the Year at the 2023 CAF Awards in Marrakech, Morocco.

The 20-year-old University of Pittsburgh midfielder bowed to Moroccan rivals Nesrye El Chad in the youth category.

Despite starred for Nigeria at the last U20 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica where she held the midfield down before exiting the stage at the quarter final, she finished behind the Lille of France star.

In spite of the accolade miss, the Super Falcons midfield maestro remains a star for the future, having justified her inclusion in the Super Falcons squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she pulled up a stellar performance in the mundial despite her send off in the first game against Canada.

After the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the former Rivers Angels midfielder will be contented with making the final shortlist, having been in fantastic form for University of Pittsburgh soccer team by scoring four goals and one assist.

Abiodun’s first goal for her side came off a beautiful header in their huge win against Bucknell Bisons in August 27.

Following her run of impressive goals and assists for the University of Pittsburgh soccer team, Abiodun made a return to the Super Falcons team for the WAFCON qualifier clash against Cape Verde which she commanded the midfield well to contribute to Nigeria’s 5-0 first leg victory and she was adjudged the Player Of The Match (POTM).

Losing the award is unlikely to diminish the incredible form and the consistency and discipline shown by the youngster since breaking onto the big stage.

Her accolade miss also means Nigeria could not have a clean sweep at the event, having earned nominations in five categories on the night.

🏆 YOUNG PLAYER OF THE YEAR(WOMEN)

Nesryne El Chad (@losclive) 🇲🇦

Congratulations, Nesryne 👏🎉

Commiseration, Deborah Abiodun 🇳🇬

#CAFAwards2023 | #DestinationMorocco2025