Nigeria’s Deborah Abiodun has earned recognition as one of five emerging stars to watch at the upcoming 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed a list of standout young talents set to make headlines at the tournament.
In an article released Thursday on CAF’s official platform, the 21-year-old Super Falcons midfielder was spotlighted for her exceptional stamina, sharp footballing mind, and increasing importance in Nigeria’s national squad.
Abiodun, who plies her trade with Dallas Trinity FC in the United States, is widely anticipated to be instrumental in Nigeria’s quest to capture an unprecedented 10th WAFCON crown as the competition unfolds in Morocco.
“She is called Kanté… because she runs everywhere,” CAF wrote, likening her relentless style of play to that of French midfield powerhouse, N’Golo Kanté.
CAF further praised her for her roots in the tough, high-intensity football culture of Rivers Angels, noting: “Trained in the Rivers Angels’ school of physical and demanding play, Abiodun doesn’t just sweep the ball. She anticipates, she directs, and she distributes.”
The continental body also recalled that Abiodun was a surprise pick for Nigeria’s squad to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand — a gamble that paid off, as she caught the eye with her tireless energy and tactical maturity.
Her ongoing role in the team under the leadership of head coach Justin Madugu, CAF stated, shows the level of confidence placed in her development and future.
Abiodun features alongside four other promising players who are also expected to make an impact at the 2024 tournament: Comfort Yeboah from Ghana, Jessica Modise of Botswana, Tunisia’s Salma Marzouki, and Ruth Bulala Nossa from the Democratic Republic of Congo.
According to CAF, these young footballers “have all the ingredients to set the stands ablaze, turn the tide during games, and challenge the status quo”, highlighting that most of them have already made their mark in elite leagues and tournaments, including the CAF Women’s Champions League and clubs across Europe and North America.
The 2024 WAFCON begins tomorrow (Saturday) in Morocco, with Nigeria eager to return to the top after finishing in fourth place in the 2022 edition of the competition.
With her dynamism and youth, Abiodun represents a new generation of players bringing fresh energy to the Super Falcons, as the team continues to mix seasoned veterans with exciting newcomers in its bid to dominate on both the African and global stage.
