Super Falcons and Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumptre has undergone a successful surgery.
Plumptre revealed this in a post on her X handle.
The former Leicester player missed the Falcons’ Paris 2024 Olympic final qualifier against South Africa due to injury.
Her last outing for the Falcons was the Olympic qualifiers against Cameroon inside the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
“Thank you to everyone at @ittiladiesclub and to Dr Pieter D’Hooge at @Aspetar for supporting me through my first surgery,” she wrote.
“It’s been a long time coming trying to get answers but I’m so grateful to now be at this stage
“To my @NGSuper_Falcons teammates and nigerian fans… thank you for your patience and understanding when I’ve not been able to be with you. I can honestly say I have fought as hard and for as long as I can with this pain. I can’t wait to be back healthy with you all
“My club – @ittiladiesclub.
I’m so grateful to be surrounded by some really great humans at this club. Thank you, all of you, for helping me through and supporting me every step of the way
“Back soon ✌♀️.”
The 25-year-old has so far scored eight goals in the Saudi Arabia women’s league.
She represented Nigeria at the 2022 WAFCON in Morocco and 2023 FIFA women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
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Soonest recover (Shina Peters) or is it Soonest recovery?….whatever…wishing you the best come back…..
Plumptre,I give all glory to God Almighty for being by you all through and I pray that you receive speedy recovery so that you can be on the pitch for me as a fan and for Nigeria as our beloved country.. keep fit.
Can Plumptre Reclaim Her Starting 11 Slot?
Super Fan-favourite Ashleigh Plumptre, who is convalescing from a successful surgery, is already looking forward to returning to action for club and country.
On Twitter, the former Leicester City centre back said: “I can’t wait to be back healthy with my Super Falcons colleagues and fans.”
When Ashleigh pulled out of some Super Falcons assignments between October and December last year against Ethiopia and Cape Verde, many cried wolf! It was rumoured in some corners that she was feigning injury and that she just chose to cherry-pick the games she plays for Nigeria (as Ethiopia and Cape Verde weren’t meaty opponents.
Ashleigh turning up for the titanic and successful Olympic qualifiers against Cameroon in February only served to fuel this fire of this rumour. However, it is now clear that 2020-21 FA Women’s Championship League Winner was truly honest when she said she was managing her body by pulling out of some assignments.
Pt 2
For those of us itching to see Plumptre in the Starting 11 for Nigeria in the Summer Olympics, this might prove tricky. Firstly, she has to be fully recovered and fit for the tournament in less than 3 months’ time.
Secondly in her absence, the team hasn’t performed that badly.
In 4 games against lowly Ethiopia and Cape Verde under interim coach Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons conceded only 2 goals. However, with master defensive tactician Waldrum back in the hot seat, Nigeria kept impressive 2 clean sheets against a far more formidable South Africa (sidenote: those clamouring for indigenous coaches should bear this little detail in mind)
Pt 2
For those of us itching to see Plumptre in the Starting 11 for Nigeria in the Summer Olympics, this might prove tricky. Firstly, she has to be fully recovered and fit for the tournament in less than 3 months’ time.
Secondly in her absence, the team hasn’t performed that badly.
In 4 games against lowly Ethiopia and Cape Verde under interim coach Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons conceded only 2 goals. However, with master defensive tactician Waldrum back in the hot seat, Nigeria kept impressive 2 clean sheets against a far more formidable South Africa (sidenote: those clamouring for indigenous coaches should bear this little detail in mind)
Pt 3
Anyway, without Plumptre, the Super Falcons kept it very tight at the back with another returnee fan favourite Chidinma Okeke proving to be a revelation.
The 23 year old former Robo Queens defender delivered a stellar performance against South Africa in Plumtpre’s right back position. She is a force in both the defensive and offensive aspects of the role.
So, when Plumptre returns, where will she fit?
Pt 3
Anyway, without Plumptre, the Super Falcons kept it very tight at the back with another returnee fan favourite Chidinma Okeke proving to be a revelation.
The 23 year old former Robo Queens defender delivered a stellar performance against South Africa in Plumtpre’s right back position. She is a force in both the defensive and offensive aspects of the role.
PT 4
So, when Plumptre returns, where will she fit?
Me and little kids wish healing and total recovery. Your faith and commitment to Nigeria remains evergreen. See you at Paris 2024