🇳🇬 Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun Wins NWSL Rookie of the Month for September

Nigeria international Deborah Abiodun has been honoured as the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Rookie of the Month for September, following her standout displays for Washington Spirit.

The 20-year-old midfielder, who made her league debut on August 31 against Chicago, quickly became an integral part of the team. She earned her first start in a 2-0 victory over Seattle, before featuring in three of Washington’s four matches in September.

During that period, Abiodun led her team in tackles and duels won, and ranked second across the entire league for tackles won. She also impressed with a passing accuracy of 87.3% in the middle third, helping the Spirit secure three clean sheets, score multiple goals in each game, and book a spot in the play-offs. The club remains unbeaten since June and currently sits second in the standings.

Her recognition marks another milestone for Washington Spirit, who have now produced six Rookie of the Month winners since the start of the 2024 season.

The award, presented by Ally and voted for by the NWSL Media Association and league broadcasters, highlights her rapid rise in the competition.

Washington Spirit, founded in 2012, also boasts another Nigerian star, Gift Monday, who made headlines last weekend after scoring the fastest hat-trick in league history during a 4-0 win over Houston Dash, earning NWSL Player of the Week.