Deborah Abiodun to leave Pitt, signs with NWSL’s Washington Spirit

Deborah Abiodun has forgone her remaining two years of collegiate eligibility and has signed a professional contract with the Washington Spirit, with the deal good through 2027.

Abiodun featured for the University of Pittsburgh for the last two seasons while she’s also emerged as a top player with Nigerian women’s national team.

“I’m beyond thrilled to take this next step in my career by joining Washington Spirit,” Abiodun said, via a Washington press release. “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.”

Randy Waldrum told Pittsburgh Soccer Now that he’s happy for Abiodun and that he’s proud to have played a small part in her success.

“I am so happy for Deborah, and her journey these past couple of years have been life changing for her,” Waldrum said. “Most will never understand where she comes from and the difference that makes in one’s everyday life. To have the opportunity to bring her here to Pitt and present her with opportunities that would change her life is simply a blessing.”

“I’m so proud to have played a small part,” he continued. “She and I have shared some wonderful opportunities participating in a World Cup and Olympics together, and along with our staff and team participating in two great seasons here at Pitt. We are now excited to watch her and follow her successes on the professional level! All of Pitt Women’s soccer are proud of her.”

Washington Spirit have announced the signing of Nigeria 🇳🇬 international Deborah Abiodun until 2027 with an option for 2028.

Emma Gaines-Ramos has also signed until 2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣7️⃣ from San Diego State. pic.twitter.com/BBiMIaX8AF

— Soccerdonna (@soccerdonna) January 6, 2025

Recruited by Randy Waldrum, who also served as her coach for the Nigerian women’s national team, Abiodun started 28 of 34 matches for the Panthers.

Abiodun scored 10 goals and provided three assists. In 2024, she joined Sarah Schupanky on the ACC All-ACC honors, and was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region with Schupansky. Abiodun earned the spot on the Third Team.

In 2023, before joining the Panthers, she featured with Nigeria at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In 2024, she competed in the Summer Olympics in Paris.

A Year of Growth for Nigeria’s ‘Kante’: Pitt’s Deborah Abiodun’s fully focused on Olympic challenge with Super Falcons

She joins a Washington Spirit team that went to the 2024 NWSL Championship, losing to the Orlando Pride. Washington boasts a midfield that includes Rookie and Midfielder of the Year Croix Bethune, along with Andi Sullivan, Hal Hershfelt and newest acquisition Narumi Miura.

This is a developing story. Look for more details and reaction to follow. 

Congratulations Deborah, what a journey this has been for you! Happy to have played a small part! #H2P https://t.co/ZVSR3HJDg4

— Randy Waldrum (@CoachWaldrum) January 6, 2025

Rachael Kriger

The sport of soccer is Rachael Kriger's area of expertise. Kriger covers high school and women's soccer, with occasional work with Pitt Women's Soccer. For the last five years, she has been the Color Commentator for the Pitt Women's Soccer program. Elsewhere, Kriger contributes for MLS Multiplex, part of the FanSided network. She formerly wrote for Equalizer Soccer and Last Word on Soccer. Kriger is a member of the official NWSL Media Association and the North American Soccer Reporters, serving as the NASR's President after two years in the role of Communications Director and Vice President.