In a spectacular display of talent, Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun played a pivotal role in propelling the University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team to a commanding 3-0 victory over No. 8-ranked Memphis in the 2023 NCAA Championship Third Round.
The 21-year-old, in her second year at the institution, was named to the Second Team All-ACC on Wednesday, gaining recognition as a top-ranked player for the second consecutive season and helping her university close out the regular season with a 9-6-3 overall record and a 3-5-2 mark in conference play.
Abiodun came on strong after missing six games due to injury before the start of ACC play. She scored her first goal of the season in a win over Clemson on October 3, 2024, and followed up with a brace in the Panthers’ 3-0 victory over Syracuse ten days later.
She also scored Pitt’s only goal against Florida State on October 20 and led the Panthers with four goals in ACC play.
This was her second time receiving the honour after being named in the Third Team and ACC All-Freshman Team selection in 2023.
The Ibadan-born player was also recently named in the PNC Achievers of the Week after scoring a brace to lead Pitt to a 3-0 win over Syracuse at Ambrose Urbanic Field.
Deborah Abiodun showed her goal-scoring ability in the 75th minute, with clever use of outside right foot finishing off great effort by Samiah Phiri who cuts it back from end line. The brilliant execution showcased Abiodun’s immense ability on the field.
Abiodun, who recorded the game-winning goal in her last two matches, began her professional career with Rivers Angels Football Club in the Nigerian Women’s Football League.
Her performances there caught the attention of scouts and led to a full scholarship offer from the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team in the United States.