‘Dream come true’ – Deborah Abiodun on Women’s World Cup debut

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria senior women’s national team midfielder, Deborah Abiodun is proud of her debut game at the country’s FIFA Women’s World Cup opening 0-0 draw against Canada in Melbourne.

Unfortunately, the University of Pittsburgh midfielder was sent off in the additional minutes of the second half in Nigeria’s 0-0 draw with the Olympic champions on Friday.

The former Rivers Angels captain put up a solid display in the middle of the park for the nine-time African champions during the match and has taken to Twitter to express her joy.

“It’s a dream come true to start in my first senior #FIFAWWC match,” Abiodun Tweeted.

“I’m happy and honoured by the privilege. A bit disappointed my debut to end the way it did. I’m sorry. Overall, I’m grateful for the chance and proud of my team today. Thanks for your support always #DA13 #NGA.”

After intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee of the match between Nigeria and Canada changed her mind and upgraded the initial yellow card issued to Deborah to a red, leaving Nigeria with 10 players to finish the match.

Replays had shown a terrible, mistimed stamp to the shin of Ashley Lawrence from Abiodun, which will leave her unable to play in the next match due to her marching order.

Nigeria will next face co-host Australia as it continues its Women’s World Cup campaign without suspended Abiodun but would gladly welcome the duo of Halimatu Ayinde and Rasheedat Ajibade from their suspensions.