Ashleigh Plumptre is back in training with Al-Ittihad, a welcome step forward after a foot injury cost her Nigeria’s entire WAFCON campaign.
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Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has returned to training with Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad following a lengthy spell on the sidelines through injury, Complete Sports reports.
Plumptre underwent surgery in March after sustaining a foot injury that ruled her out of action for several months. The setback meant she missed the entirety of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a significant blow to Nigeria’s preparations given her versatility across the Super Falcons’ backline.
A Difficult Campaign In Her Absence
Without Plumptre, the Super Falcons endured a disappointing WAFCON campaign under head coach Justine Madugu, exiting at the quarter final stage before missing out on the intercontinental play offs and, with them, a place at the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
A Welcome Step Forward
The 28 year old has established herself as one of Nigeria’s most important defensive options thanks to her ability to operate both at centre-back and left back, and her return to training will come as a boost for both club and country as she continues working back to full match fitness. She is expected to be gradually reintegrated into competitive action after such a long spell out, with the hope of playing a prominent role for Al-Ittihad this season before eventually returning to international duty with the Super Falcons.
📌 Did You Know?
- Plumptre signed a new two-year deal with Al-Ittihad shortly before her injury setback, underlining the club’s long term commitment to her.
- She is known for her versatility across Nigeria’s backline, capable of playing centre back or left-back depending on the Super Falcons’ tactical needs.
- The Super Falcons’ quarter-final exit at WAFCON 2026 marked one of the more difficult campaigns in the team’s history, coming without one of their key defensive options.
- Nigeria’s failure to reach the intercontinental play-offs means the Super Falcons will miss the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament’s 1991 debut.
- Al-Ittihad compete in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, one of several developing women’s leagues in the Gulf region attracting international talent.
- Plumptre is eligible to represent both England and Nigeria but has committed her international career to the Super Falcons.
- A gradual reintegration process after long-term injury typically involves training modifications before a player is cleared for full competitive minutes, a standard part of recovery protocols at this level.
