Deborah Abiodun has been singled out by the Confederation of African Football as one of the five standout emerging talents to watch at the 2024 TotalEnergies WAFCON in Morocco. The 21 year old midfielder, currently plying her trade with Dallas Trinity FC in the United States, earned the moniker "Kante" due to her tireless ball‑winning displays and ability to sweep through midfield.
Abiodun made her senior Super Falcons debut during the Nigeria Cameroon friendlies, impressing with her energy and composure. CAF praised her work rate and tactical intelligence qualities likely to catch the eye as the tournament unfolds. The tournament kicks off on 5 July, with Nigeria drawn in Group B alongside Tunisia, Botswana and Algeria.
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Abiodun is expected to play a key role in the Falcons’ midfield engine room.
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Editorial
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We believe Deborah Abiodun’s emergence as a "Kante‑style" enforcer represents a turning point for the Super<65><72><AF>Falcons. Her combative style brings much‑needed grit to midfield, and this tournament could be where she cements her place in the squad. As fans, we’re encouraged by CAF’s recognition it’s validation not just of her talent, but of the growing depth in Nigerian women’s football.
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Watching Abiodun in Dallas Trinity’s midfield, her tenacity reminded us of Didier Kante’s ability to cover every blade of grass. That comparison isn’t given lightly. It reflects a growing trend: young stars making waves globally are coming home to lift the .
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Africa’s biggest stage demands players who hold the midfield together, not just cut loose in attack. Abiodun offers that anchor. Her inclusion signals a shift in squad building a balance between flair players and holding midfielders who bring stability under pressure.
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We’re convinced that deploying Abiodun as both a sensor and shield could unlock the attacking talents around her. If she delivers on CAF’s early claims, the tournament could mark the rise of a midfield core capable of driving Nigeria deep into this WAFCON and beyond. That belief begins with her role, and we back it wholeheartedly.
Did You Know?
Deborah Abiodun starred at Dallas Trinity FC, helping the team secure a conference title in the 2024–25 season.
She captained Nigeria’s Flamingoes (U‑17) at the 2022 FIFA U‑17 Women’s World Cup.
Abiodun’s off‑season training often includes sessions with former Super Falcons legend Halimatu Ayinde.
She balances her football career with studies in Sports Psychology at a US college.
The nickname "Kante" was first used by her Dallas teammates after a 5‑interception performance in a single match.