Abiodun Helps Nigeria to 10th Africa Cup of Nations Championship
7/27/2025 11:52:00 AM | Women's Soccer
PITTSBURGH – Former Pitt standout Deborah Abiodun helped her home country secure its 10th Africa Cup of Nations title capping the event off with a dramatic come-from-behind victory over host Morocco Saturday. The Super Falcons trailed 2-0 with 30-minutes remaining before ripping off three straight goals to secure the win.
The record-extending 10th Africa Cup of Nations championship for Nigeria, confirming their status as the most successful women's team in Africa. Pitt technical director of women's soccer Randy Waldrum led the Nigerian national team from 2020-23.
Abiodun played in all five matches, with three starting assignments as Nigeria went a perfect 5-0 at the Africa Cup Nations. She started and played to full 90+ in the championship match against Morraco.
The Super Falcons pick up $1m in prize money – doubled since the last edition – and become the first side to lift the new-look Wafcon trophy.
Abiodun earned All-ACC honors in both season with the Panthers before signing with the Washington Spirit in January of 2025 to begin her professional journey in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). She is currently playing on loan with Dallas Trinity FC.
A 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region and Second Team All-ACC selection, Abiodun helped lead Pitt to a 9-6-3 record overall and a 3-5-2 mark in conference play after competing for her home country of Nigeria at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Abiodun came on strong after missing six games due to injury prior to the start of ACC play. She scored her first goal of the season in the win over Clemson (Oct. 3) and followed up with a brace in the Panthers 3-0 win over Syracuse (Oct. 13). Abiodun also scored Pitt's lone goal against No. 22 Florida State (Oct. 20) and led the Panthers with four goals in ACC play.
The Oyo, Nigeria, native closed her Pitt career with 10 goals and three assists in 34 games (28 starts). She played over 2,300 minutes in two season and helped the Panthers to a 17-6-1 record and NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Appearance in 2023.
