By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 3, 2025
Nigeria international Deborah Abiodun has been named the National Women’s Soccer League’s Rookie of the Month for September following her strong performances for Washington Spirit, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The 20-year-old midfielder only made her debut on August 31 in a home match against Chicago, but quickly established herself as a key figure.
She earned her first start in a 2-0 win over Seattle the following week, and went on to feature in three of Washington’s four matches in September.
During that run, she led the Spirit in tackles and duels won, while also finishing second in the entire league for tackles won. She registered a passing accuracy of 87.3 per cent in the middle third.
Her contribution was crucial as the Spirit kept three clean sheets, scored multiple goals in each of their September fixtures and secured their place in the play-offs. The team, unbeaten since June, currently sit second in the standings.
Abiodun’s recognition continues a trend for Washington, who have now produced six Rookie of the Month winners since the start of the 2024 season.
The award, presented by Ally, is selected by the NWSL Media Association, a group of journalists covering the league, and the competition’s broadcast talent.
Washington Spirit, founded in 2012, also houses fellow Nigerian Gift Monday, who scored the fastest hat-trick in league history in the 4-0 win over Houston Dash last weekend and was named NWSL Player of the Week.
Source Punch Ng
Posted October 3, 2025
You may also like...
Chelsea draw up list of Mourinho’s possible replacements...
Oshoala tops Falcons' list for 2016 Africa Women...
Chelsea to battle PSG for Osimhen
Gattuso: Red-hot Osimhen Shouldn’t Be Satisfied
Michael Jordan Rookie Sneakers Sell For $152,500
I Can’t Wait For AFCON 2019 — Onyekuru...

Chelsea, City clash headlines EPL actions
Okoye targets clean record Milan in clash
NFF unveils Flamingo squad for W’Cup qualifying camp
Real Madrid denies plans to appoint sporting director
UBA Pensions ready for annual sports meet
Forget Wilder, fight me; Fury tells Joshua
Onuachu lacks rhythm in Eagles setup – Lawal
Ukah faces Osigwe in historic all-Nigerian PFL clash
UCL: Lookman set for Atletico return against Barca
Organisers brace for National Schools Football tourney
Semi Final Teams Emerge As Coast Clear For Final Ceremony Of 7th U-13 JOF Kids Cup Tournament
Okoye keeps seventh clean sheet in Como draw
Rangers International going, going . . . (63,695 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,022 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (52,935 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,536 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,464 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,371 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,230 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (51,773 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (50,962 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,469 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (47,877 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,347 views)