Deborah Abiodun’s 2026 club season has come to a premature end after the Washington Spirit confirmed that the Super Falcons midfielder will undergo surgery following a hip injury.
The NWSL club announced on Monday that Abiodun had been moved from its 45-day injury list to the season-ending injury list, ending her campaign after nine appearances, including four starts and 320 minutes of action.
The 22-year-old had initially been placed on the 45-day injury list on September 4, with Washington identifying the problem as a hip injury. She will now undergo surgery this week as she begins the rehabilitation process.
From WAFCON disappointment to another setback
Abiodun was part of the Super Falcons squad that travelled to Morocco for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament that doubled as Africa’s qualification route to the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Nigeria entered the competition seeking an 11th continental title and a place at the World Cup, but their campaign ended in the quarterfinals after a 2-1 defeat to South Africa.
That result had an historic consequence, as Nigeria missed out on the Women’s World Cup for the first time. FIFA confirmed that the expanded WAFCON served as the African qualifying tournament for Brazil 2027, with the four semi finalists securing automatic World Cup places.
Abiodun had been an important part of Justine Madugu’s 25-player squad and was expected to contribute to Nigeria’s midfield during the tournament.
Her club season has now ended only weeks after the Super Falcons’ disappointing campaign in Morocco.
READMORE: Kelechi Iheanacho is back in the conversation and Eric Chelle has a decision to make
Abiodun’s time with Washington Spirit has been disrupted by the injury, although she had remained involved in the team before the latest setback.
She made nine appearances during the 2026 NWSL campaign, starting four matches and accumulating 320 minutes before the injury brought her season to an early conclusion.
Washington had initially hoped that the midfielder could recover while on the 45-day injury list, but the subsequent decision to place her on the season-ending list means she will now concentrate on surgery and rehabilitation rather than attempting to return before the conclusion of the campaign.
The timing is particularly unfortunate because the Spirit have continued their push in the NWSL, including a 2-1 comeback victory away to Portland Thorns on September 6.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
The immediate priority, however, will be her recovery rather than a return to international action. With surgery scheduled for this week, the midfielder faces a rehabilitation programme before she can resume full football activity.
Pingback: Nwabali, Okoye and Okonkwo face off for Super Eagles number one shirt - The Athletic NG