Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun, has been recalled by United States club Washington Spirit from her loan spell at Dallas Trinity.
Abiodun, 21, had joined the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club from the University of Pittsburgh in January 2025. However, she was immediately loaned out to Dallas Trinity, one of the new teams in the US women’s football scene, to gain more experience and playing time.
Now, just five months before the loan was expected to end, Washington Spirit has brought her back following her standout performances both at club level and during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) with Nigeria.
Abiodun’s early return is no surprise to many football analysts. Her displays for Dallas Trinity, where she played 14 matches across all competitions, have earned her praise for her work rate, composure on the ball, and ability to control midfield play.
Her performances at WAFCON 2024 also played a key role in the decision. Abiodun was a vital part of the Super Falcons squad that reached the final of the tournament. She was involved in crucial plays, held her own in tough matches, and showed maturity beyond her years in midfield.
Washington Spirit, impressed with her development and impact, decided to recall her to strengthen their squad for the second half of the NWSL season.
In a brief statement, a club official said, “Deborah has shown incredible growth during her time with Dallas Trinity. Her performances for Nigeria at WAFCON have also shown that she is ready for the next step. We’re excited to have her back.”
Deborah Abiodun first gained national attention after her performances for the University of Pittsburgh in the United States college football system. Her control of the midfield and smart playmaking made her one of the most talked-about Nigerian prospects abroad.
She made her senior debut for the Super Falcons in 2022 and has since become a regular face in the team’s setup. Her calmness on the ball, quick decision-making, and tactical awareness have won her fans both in Nigeria and abroad.
Her move to Washington Spirit was seen as a big step in her career, but the club’s decision to loan her out showed a clear strategy to ensure she developed gradually.
Now, after proving herself on the pitch, she is set to make her full debut in the NWSL.
Abiodun’s growth and early recall from loan is good news for Nigerian football. With more Super Falcons players making waves in top European and American clubs, the national team’s strength continues to grow.
Her story also shows the benefits of Nigerian players going through structured football systems abroad, such as the U.S. college league, before making the jump to professional football.
Former Super Falcons coach, Florence Omagbemi, praised Abiodun recently, saying, “Deborah has the potential to lead Nigeria’s midfield for the next decade. She just needs to stay focused and continue working hard.”
With her return to Washington Spirit, Abiodun will now compete for a starting spot in one of the top teams in the American league. The NWSL is known for its fast-paced, physical style, which will help her further improve her game.
Fans are eagerly waiting to see how she performs at this higher level, especially as Nigeria prepares for the 2026 Women’s AFCON qualifiers and the next FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Abiodun herself has remained humble in recent interviews, saying, “I’m grateful for the opportunity and I just want to keep learning and getting better every day.”
Her return to Spirit marks a new chapter in her career, and if her recent performances are anything to go by, Nigerian football fans have a lot to look forward to.
