In a bittersweet debut appearance at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Super Falcon midfielder, Abiodun Deborah, has expressed her profound disappointment as her team faced a ‘cruel and early exit’ from the tournament.
The Super Falcons suffered a heartrending departure on Monday morning, losing 4-2 on penalties to England in the Round of 16 clash.
However, the 19-year-old midfielder was completely absent from the decisive Round of 16 match, which took place on August 7, due to a straight red card she received during the team’s opening Group B encounter against Canada, which ended in a goalless draw.
Eager to contribute in the final group stage match, Deborah found herself conspicuously missing from the lineup after FIFA reviewed her card offense and imposed an additional two-match ban.
This unfortunate decision meant that the former star of Rivers Angels, was forced to sit out not only the remaining group stage matches but also the high-stakes knockout game against the Lionesses of England.
Deborah’s absence was deeply felt as the Falcons faced their toughest challenge yet in the Round of 16 clash against England.
Her absence from the team’s encounters against Australia and Ireland further compounded the disappointment of the Falcons’ premature exit from the competition.
Deborah’s disappointments were shared in a heartfelt message she posted on her Twitter page, where she wrote,
“I’m saddened by our cruel early exit, but still proud about my first FIFA Women’s World Cup outing,” she noted.
Despite the heartbreak, Deborah expressed gratitude for the privilege of being a part of the Randy Waldrum-led team.
She emphasized that the invaluable lessons, experiences, and opportunities she gained from the World Cup journey were beyond measure.
“Also glad for the privilege to be part of this amazing group. The lessons, experience, and opportunity are incredibly unquantifiable. To all, I’m humbled by your support,” she stressed.
While their journey in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup may have ended sooner than anticipated, Abiodun Deborah and her Super Falcons teammates will now return home for better days ahead.
Leave a comment