Deborah Abiodun: Nigeria midfielder reflects on her remarkable 2023 journey

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria midfielder, Deborah Abiodun has described 2023 as a great year for her after personal accomplishment she was able to achieve.

Abiodun missed out on the CAF Women’s Young Player of the Year award to Moroccan Nesryne El Chad despite her impressive display for Nigeria and University of Pittsburg.

However, she is basking in the euphoria of the success she achieved in a breakout year as a professional footballer and a successful debut season with University of Pittsburgh in the collegiate football tournaments.

“2023 is such a great and very big year for me,” Abiodun told Brila FM.

“I would say everything has been happening so fast this year from my movement to my school to the Women’s World Cup.

“It was a great moment playing for my team and country at the senior level. It has been one of my greatest achievements. I am so grateful for every moment of a wonderful year.”

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At club level, Abiodun in her debut season with the Pitts secured a spot on both the All-ACC Third Team and the All-ACC Freshman Team.

The Super Falcons midfielder was the third Pitt player named to the All-ACC Freshman Team, joining Katie Zailski (2022) and West (2019).

The former Rivers Angels captain was ranked in the top 10 in the ACC for shot accuracy (0.500).

She progressed from representing the national U-20 team to the senior women’s national team where she featured at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.