Abiodun undergoes successful surgery on hip injury

Super Falcons midfielder, Deborah Abiodun, has successfully undergone surgery on the hip injury that ended her 2026 National Women’s Soccer League season with Washington Spirit, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The 22-year-old confirmed the development on Friday in an Instagram post showing pictures taken after the operation. She also encouraged younger players who may face a similar situation.

“It’s tough sometimes, but you gotta keep going,” she wrote.

“Thank you, everyone, for your kind words and prayers. First slide is there to motivate players, especially younger ones that might be in a similar situation like myself. I was scared and nervous; it gets better, hang in there.”

Washington Spirit confirmed the injury on September 7, moving Abiodun from the 45-day injury list to the season-ending injury list. She had earlier reacted on Snapchat, writing, “From World Cup heartbreak to this, 2026 must really be that year.”

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Her last appearance came in Washington Spirit’s 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pride. Since then, the club have played three league matches, winning two and losing 3-0 to Boston Legacy.

They face Chicago Stars on Sunday and are second in the standings with 43 points, two behind leaders Gotham FC.

Abiodun made nine appearances this season, including four starts, and played 320 minutes. She joined the club in January 2025 and has 21 appearances, one goal and one assist for the Spirit.

She will miss the Super Falcons’ second-round 2028 Olympic qualifiers against Comoros on October 9 and 13. If Nigeria reach the third round, scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, she could return depending on her recovery.

Abiodun played four matches at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria lost 3-2 to Cameroon in the quarter-finals. She also featured in the 2-1 defeat to South Africa in the World Cup qualifying play-off.