Super Falcons’ Asisat Oshoala and Ashleigh Plumptre went head-to-head as Al Hilal defeat Al Ittihad 3–2 in Jeddah on Friday night.
It was a battle of Nigerian superstars in the Saudi Women’s Premier League as the eagerly anticipated encounter lived up to expectations, producing late drama, brilliant individual performances, and a decisive stoppage-time winner.
Plumptre Inspires Ittihad Fightback with Two Assists
Playing in front of the home crowd, Plumptre delivered an outstanding performance for Al Ittihad.
The 26-year-old Super Falcons defender turned provider on two occasions, keeping her side in the game against the reigning league leaders.
Her second assist came in the 85th minute, when she whipped in a pinpoint cross that was converted to level the score at 2–2, sending the Jeddah fans into wild celebrations and raising hopes of a late comeback.
After the match, Plumptre took to social media to praise both sides and her Nigerian teammate.
“Proud of the team tonight. Happy to contribute with two assists, and even though the result didn’t go our way, it was great to share the stage with my fellow Super Falcons sister, Asisat Oshoala.”
“We fight hard on the pitch, but there’s always respect beyond it. On to the next challenge!” she said.
Oshoala Delivers in Stoppage Time
Just when it seemed the game was heading for a draw, Oshoala showed her trademark composure in the 90+3rd minute, calmly slotting home the winning goal to silence the Ittihad faithful and seal all three points for Al Hilal.
The 30-year-old striker has made an instant impact since arriving in Saudi Arabia and continues to be a difference-maker in crucial moments and strengthening Al Hilal’s title ambitions in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
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Player of the Month: Oshoala Claims First Saudi Honour
Earlier in the week, Oshoala was named the Saudi Women’s Premier League Player of the Month for September, capping off a blistering start to her career at Al Hilal.
The Nigerian forward topped a fan poll conducted on X (formerly Twitter), earning 55% of the 37,560 votes.
Moroccan striker Ibtissam Jraïdi of Al Ahli came second with 44%, while Clara Luvanga of Al Nassr finished third with 1%.
The league announced:
“In her first month in our league: 3 goals, 2 goal assists. Asisat Oshoala of Al Hilal wins the award for the best player of the month.”
Oshoala’s stats are impressive: 3 goals and 2 assists in her first three league games, playing every minute and helping Al Hilal maintain a perfect record with three wins from three and zero goals conceded.
Asisat Oshoala’s Journey to Saudi Arabia
Oshoala joined Al Hilal in September on a two-year deal after a brief spell in the United States with Bay FC.
Her arrival is seen as a landmark moment for Nigerian women’s football, bringing star power and global attention to the Saudi league.
She previously enjoyed a glittering six-year spell at Barcelona, where she;
- scored 107 goals and made 19 assists in 149 appearances,
- winning five Liga F titles,
- two UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies,
and several individual honours.
Earlier in her career, she also featured for Arsenal and Liverpool in England, and Dalian Quanjian in China, winning multiple league titles.
Nigerian Contingent Growing in Saudi Arabia
Oshoala is part of an increasing number of Nigerian players making their mark in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
Other Super Falcons stars include:
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Ashleigh Plumptre and Francisca Ordega – Al Ittihad
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Chinonyerem Macleans – Al Shabab
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Rita Chikwelu – Al Riyadh
Summary
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Match: Al Ittihad 2–3 Al Hilal
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Venue: Jeddah
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Key Moments: Plumptre 2 assists (incl. 85′), Oshoala 90+3′ winner
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Oshoala: Named September Player of the Month
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Title Race: Al Hilal remain unbeaten, Al Ittihad looks forward to a brighter season
