Washington Spirit have agreed to loan Nigerian midfielder Deborah Abiodun to USL Super League side Dallas Trinity FC for the remainder of the 2025 calendar year, Soccernet.ng reports.
The two American clubs confirmed at the weekend that the Super Falcons star will leave Washington Spirit just weeks after signing her first professional club with Jonatan Giráldez’s ladies.
Abiodun, 21, joined Washington Spirit in January 2025 on a three-year deal, but her development path will now see her gain further experience at Dallas before returning to the Spirit for the 2026 season.
Welcome to DC, Deborah! pic.twitter.com/KOCjUscwHX
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 6, 2025
The loan agreement also includes an undisclosed fee paid by Dallas Trinity FC, which will see Abiodun remain with the Texas-based club until the end of 2025.
The loan is part of Washington Spirit’s broader development strategy for the talented midfielder, who is set to play alongside her teammate Tamara Bolt at Dallas this season.
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Abiodun made a name for herself at the University of Pittsburgh, where she was a two-time All-ACC selection.
The latest #ProPanther
SCREAMING congrats to Deborah Abiodun for signing with the @WashSpirit of the NWSL!
Read more: https://t.co/j6JX426dVR pic.twitter.com/m1ynTNXQSw
— Pitt Women’s Soccer (@Pitt_WSOC) January 6, 2025
The youngster earned recognition with Nigeria’s national teams, representing her country at the 2022 U-20 World Cup, the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2024 Paris Olympics.
During her college career, Abiodun scored 10 goals and provided 3 assists in 34 matches, cementing her place as a key player for both her university and the Super Falcons.
Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun nets two brilliant goals ⚽ ⚽ to lead Pitt Women to an excellent 6-1 home win.
Manchester United should be trying to sign this girl today before deadline today. Chick is hotter than Rashford https://t.co/4jr2ocjyFB
— Imhons Erons (@Imhons) September 1, 2023
Mark Krikorian, President of Soccer Operations at Washington Spirit, explained,
“Deborah and Tamara’s loans are part of our development plans as they embark on their U.S. professional careers. They will gain invaluable experience in Dallas this year, and we look forward to their return to the Spirit in the future.”
Dreams becoming reality for the Nigerian international with World Cup experience! ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/gXh9c4Dt0i
— Washington Spirit (@WashSpirit) January 6, 2025
Abiodun’s move to Washington Spirit followed a strong collegiate career under the coaching of Randy Waldrum, who also handled Nigeria’s national team.
The former Rivers Angels star made an instant impact at Pitt, earning All-ACC honors and helping lead her team to a historic NCAA tournament appearance.