Super Falcons Star Abiodun Goes Under The Knife As Yusuf Suffers Major Injury Setback

Super Falcons midfielder Deborah Abiodun has undergone successful surgery on a hip injury that has brought her 2026 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season with Washington Spirit to an early end.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the 22-year-old Nigeria international confirmed the successful procedure on Friday, September 18, through an Instagram post featuring photographs taken after the operation. Abiodun also used the opportunity to encourage young footballers dealing with similar injury setbacks, urging them to remain positive and patient during their recovery.

Washington Spirit placed Abiodun on its season-ending injury list on September 7 after she was initially listed on the club’s 45-day injury list. Her final appearance of the campaign came on August 23, when Washington Spirit suffered a 1-0 defeat to Orlando Pride.

Abiodun made nine appearances for the club this season, including four starts, and accumulated 320 minutes of playing time. Since joining Washington Spirit in January 2025, she has featured in 21 matches, scoring once and providing one assist.

Her latest injury means she will miss Nigeria’s second-round 2028 Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros scheduled for October 9 and 13. Should the Super Falcons progress to the third round, scheduled for February 23 to March 6, 2027, her availability will depend on the progress of her rehabilitation.

Abiodun also featured in four matches during the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria were eliminated by Cameroon following a 3-2 quarter-final defeat. She also played in Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to South Africa in the World Cup qualifying play-off.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have suffered another injury setback, with midfielder Alhassan Yusuf expected to spend up to six weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury during New England Revolution’s 2-1 victory over New York City FC. He has already missed one match for the Major League Soccer club and is expected to remain unavailable for several more fixtures during his recovery.

Yusuf’s injury accounts for his absence from Eric Chelle’s squad for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Chelle has also selected a separate squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia next month.

The midfielder had been considered for selection after an impressive MLS campaign. Yusuf made his Super Eagles debut at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which was played in 2024, starting Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea before being forced off with an injury.

He was also part of the Nigerian squad that won the 2026 Unity Cup. Yusuf delivered an impressive performance in the semi-final victory over Zimbabwe before scoring twice in the final to help Nigeria claim the tournament for a fourth consecutive time.

The injuries to Abiodun and Yusuf therefore represent setbacks for both the Super Falcons and Super Eagles as the national teams continue preparations for their respective international assignments.