Super Falcons debut excites Abiodun

After making her debut for the Super Falcons in their doubleheader international friendlies against the United States women’s national team in September, Falconets midfielder Deborah Abiodun says she is thrilled to have made her senior appearance for the country.

The 18-year-old was called up to the senior female team after her brilliant outing at the U-20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica where she helped the Falconets to a quarter-final finish after losing to Netherlands 2-0.

Abiodun was also in the starting line-up for the Falcons as they fell 2-0 to Japan in an international friendly played at the Noevir Stadium, Kobe, on Thursday morning.

In a video chat with NFF TV before the game against the Asian side, the midfielder reflected on her debut against the USA women’s team and thanked Falcons coach Randy Waldrum for the opportunity to play with the senior women’s team.

“The feeling was exciting and so great playing against one of the best teams in the world, it’s such a wonderful moment and amazing game for me and also being privileged and a dream come true to make the Super Falcons squad.

“This is something I have always dreamt of and wished to play for the senior team and be among the Super Falcons and it’s just happening.

“Every invitation to the national is a surprise because you can’t predict any invite you get, so I am grateful to God. Every training session with the Super Falcons has helped me to also learn more.

“Learning from the senior players and adding it to my knowledge helps me build my confidence.

“The senior players have always kept in touch with me and try to encourage me in one way or the other. Am so grateful to them. Also to the Super Falcons coach for believing in me, and allowing me to play with the Super Falcons.”

The Falcons are one of the 32 teams that will take part in the biggest-ever Women’s World Cup finals set for nine cities in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to August 20, 2023.