Nigeria’s Ashleigh Plumptre is rewriting her football story, overcoming painful injuries and navigating new horizons to reclaim her place on the international stage.
At just 26, the Nigerian-British defender has faced more than her fair share of obstacles, but continue to drive forward.”
In an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.com, Ashleigh Plumptre opens up about her battles with injury, the heartbreak of missing the Paris Olympics, her exciting new chapter in Saudi Arabia, and her triumphant return to Nigeria’s Super Falcons.
Looking ahead, she shares her goals for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, while offering valuable wisdom for young players.
Bouncing Back from Injury and Setbacks
Plumptre’s career took a major hit with a debilitating Achilles injury that kept her sidelined for over two years.
“It was mentally draining, but the thought of being healthier and able to train and play without constant pain was my driving force.”
The injury forced her to miss the 2024 Paris Olympics, a crushing blow for any athlete.
However, she found a silver lining in the setback, learning a valuable lesson in prioritizing health.
“I realized that pushing through pain for the sake of a goal wasn’t worth it. Prioritizing health above everything else was the greatest lesson I could take away.”
Thriving in Saudi Arabia’s Evolving Football Scene
In 2023, Plumptre took a bold step by joining Al-Ittihad, a Saudi Arabian club, from Leicester City.
Her transition to the Saudi Women’s Premier League has been smooth, and she has embraced the new challenges.
“It feels like a family at Al-Ittihad. The environment is incredibly supportive, and I love being part of a league that is evolving.”
While the league may not yet match the competition of the Women’s Super League, Plumptre is thriving in her new role.
“As a defender, I’ve always focused on stability, but now I have the freedom to step into attacking situations.”
Reuniting with the Super Falcons: A Homecoming
After a long hiatus, Plumptre returned to the Super Falcons fold in November, marking an emotional comeback.
“It felt like coming home. The camaraderie and the bond we share are irreplaceable, and it reminded me why I chose to represent Nigeria.”
Under Coach Madugu, the team has shown growth, and Plumptre believes in a brighter future for the Super Falcons.
“We were able to refine our game plan, and seeing players debut and perform well was a testament to his coaching style,” she says.
“We’re headed in the right direction.”
Eyes on WAFCON 2024 and Women’s World Cup Glory
Looking ahead, Plumptre is focused on Nigeria’s prospects for the 2024 WAFCON, where they face challenging group stages against Tunisia, Algeria, and Botswan, however, she remains confident in the team’s potential.
“Each match will be unique, and I’m excited to face teams with similar playing styles,” she says.
Beyond WAFCON, Plumptre is determined to help the Super Falcons secure a spot in the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
“The talent in our team is unmatched. We have a never-give-up attitude, and I’m focused on contributing to our success.”
Balancing Club and International Commitments
Juggling commitments at both club and international levels is no easy feat, but Plumptre has learned how to manage the demands.
“I prioritize listening to my body and ensuring I’m in the best mental and physical state,” she shares.
Her advice for aspiring athletes? “Focus on the journey, not just the end goal. Understand who you are as a person and a player, and work on that. It’s just as important to learn from setbacks as it is to celebrate victories.”
Ashleigh Plumptre also spoke on how her British-Nigerian heritage shaped her approach to football.
“It’s helped me understand the importance of staying true to who I am, both on and off the pitch,” she says.
“It’s also allowed me to appreciate different playing styles and adapt to various environments, which has made me a more well-rounded player.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to Growth and Glory
As Plumptre looks to 2024, her goals are simple yet powerful: stay healthy, keep improving, and help both her club and country reach new heights.
“I want to stay healthy and continue improving my performances,” she says.
“At Al-Ittihad, I hope to build on last season’s progress and push for stronger results.”
“On the international stage, I’m determined to help the Super Falcons reach their full potential in preparation for WAFCON and other upcoming tournaments.”
(Credit: @Sportboom)
