By Korede James
Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun has signed for National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) side Washington Spirit in the United States of America.
Washington Spirit announced in a statement on Monday night that Abiodun signed a three-year contract.
The 21-year-old was signed alongside forward Emma Gaines-Ramos.
“The Washington Spirit has made the first additions to its 2025 rookie class, signing forward Emma Gaines-Ramos and midfielder Deborah Abiodun, the club announced today,” the top division side stated.
“This year’s class comes in the wake of 2024’s historic group of first-year players highlighted by NWSL Midfielder and Rookie of the Year Croix Bethune.
“Abiodun arrives in DC after two seasons at Pitt (University of Pittsburgh), where she was a standout player for the Panthers. In 34 appearances, the midfielder tallied ten goals and three assists while being named to the All-ACC teams in both seasons.
“In 2023, Abiodun was named to the all-conference Freshman and Third teams while she earned Second Team All-ACC honours in 2024. At the international level, Abiodun has extensive experience with the Nigerian senior team. She was named to the Super Falcons’ World Cup roster in 2023 and Olympics roster in 2024.
“Abiodun inked a three-year contract with a 2028 option and will occupy an international slot on the Spirit roster.”
Speaking after joining Washington Spirit, the Nigeria international said: “I’m beyond thrilled to take this next step in my career by joining Washington Spirit.
“This isn’t just a dream; it’s a purpose I’ve poured my heart and soul into and I’m ready to give everything I have to the game I love especially with a team that cares about its players’ growth and development, which makes Washington Spirit a perfect team for me to achieve my purpose.”
The Washington Spirit are the premier professional women’s football team based in Washington, D.C. and play at Audi Field in Buzzard Point.
The club was founded on November 21, 2012 and is an inaugural member of the NWSL, the fastest growing sports league in the US.
In 2021, Washington Spirit were crowned NWSL champions and finished runners-up in 2016 and 2024.
