Super Falcons head coach Randy Waldrum has shared the inspiring story behind Deborah Abiodun’s move to the Pittsburgh Panthers women’s soccer team, Soccernet.ng reports.
In 2023, Abiodun received a full scholarship offer from the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team after impressing for Nigeria’s U20 national team.
The talented youngster was part of the Falconets’ squad at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2022.
Although Nigeria were eliminated in the quarterfinals by the Netherlands, the Falconets made a significant impact by topping Group C with wins over France, Canada, and South Korea.
Abiodun stood out in midfield, with her energetic and intelligent performances catching the eye of Super Falcons head coach Waldrum.
He was already considering promoting the then-Rivers Angels FC star to the senior team when Abiodun took a bold step that changed her life.
Waldrum, who also coaches the University of Pittsburgh’s women’s soccer team, facilitated Abiodun’s scholarship and her move to the United States.
He recounted this life-changing encounter to Channel 11 via Yahoo Sports as Nigeria prepared for the Paris 2024 Olympics, where Abiodun has been named in the squad. This marks Nigeria’s first Olympic qualification in 16 years.
“Deb came to me and said, ‘Will you take me to your school? I want to go to college, and I want to get an education,'” Waldrum said.
Abiodun joined the Pitt Panthers and had a stellar debut season, scoring six goals in 22 games.
Later in 2023, at 19, she made her FIFA Women’s World Cup debut for Nigeria against Canada, although she received a red card during stoppage time after a VAR review — the first red card of the tournament.
Abiodun will make her first Olympic appearance in August, hoping to overcome her World Cup setback and help Nigeria impress at the games.