Deborah Abiodun Opens Up Ahead of First-Ever Surgery: “Football Is My Life”

Nigeria international Deborah Abiodun has opened up about the emotional challenges of undergoing her first surgery after a hip injury ended her 2026 NWSL season with Washington Spirit.

The Washington Spirit placed Abiodun on the NWSL’s 45-day injury list on September 4 after the midfielder suffered a hip injury. The injury has ruled her out for the remainder of the season, with surgery now expected as part of her recovery.

In an emotional video, Abiodun admitted that she is nervous about undergoing surgery and uncertain about what the coming weeks and months will look like.

“I’m very nervous,” Abiodun said. “I think my worry is not being able to compete, not being able to play international games, not being able to play for your team, fight for your team. That is definitely heartbreaking.”

For the 22-year-old midfielder, however, the most painful part of the situation is not simply missing matches.

It is being unable to kick a football.

“But the most painful part for me is not being able to kick a ball because that is my life,” she said.

“That is the one thing that really takes away so many pains and so many emotions because it’s just something that keeps you going, gives you a purpose.”

Abiodun explained that being forced away from the game has made her feel as though her sense of purpose has temporarily been put on hold.

“It just feels like your purpose has been pushed for a while,” she said.

The midfielder acknowledged that football has become such a significant part of her life that navigating a period away from the game is particularly difficult.

“I’m literally obsessed and addicted to this thing,” she admitted.

The uncertainty surrounding her recovery has also been challenging.

Abiodun said she does not know what the next few weeks or months will bring, but making the video has helped her establish a goal and maintain a positive mindset.

“I can only control very little thing right now. There’s not much I can control,” she said.

“And it’s hard. It’s very, very difficult.”

A message for other injured athletes

Abiodun also used her experience to speak directly to athletes who may find themselves dealing with a similar setback.

She acknowledged that people around an injured athlete can offer support, encouragement and kindness, but said they may not fully understand the depth of what the athlete is experiencing.

“People try to help you go through it, but they might not know the depth of what you’re going through,” she said.

For Abiodun, rehabilitation will not simply be about recovering physically.

She described the process as a personal battle involving the injury itself, difficult days, emotional highs and lows, rehabilitation and the negative thoughts that can accompany a long spell away from competition.

“It’s actually you against everything right now,” she said.

Despite the uncertainty, Abiodun remains determined to focus on what she can control and approach the recovery positively.

“I just have to do the best I can do and crush it,” she said. “I hope I do. I hope I’m able to crush it.”

The hip injury represents a significant setback for a player who has become an important part of Nigeria’s senior women’s national team and has continued to develop her career in the NWSL.

But her latest message provides a glimpse into an aspect of injury that is often overlooked: the psychological impact of being separated from the sport that has become central to an athlete’s identity.

For Abiodun, the road back will involve more than returning to full fitness. It will also mean navigating the emotional challenge of temporarily losing the thing she describes as her life and purpose.

For now, she is preparing for surgery, rehabilitation and an uncertain road ahead, while hoping her experience can encourage another athlete facing a similar battle.

“Someone has been there,” Abiodun said. “A lot of people have been there.”

And she intends to be one of them.