Ashleigh Plumptre featured for Nigeria Super Eagles for the first time against France.
Saudi Arabia-based defender Ashleigh Plumptre made a triumphant return to the Nigeria Super Falcons, featuring in their recent friendly match against France.
This marked her first appearance for the national team in over a year, following a challenging period of recovery from injury.
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The 26-year-old England-born defender played the full match as the Super Falcons put up a commendable performance against the European giants.
Plumptre's return comes after she missed important matches, including the 2024 Olympic Games in France, due to a six-month injury layoff.
Her last outing for Nigeria was during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she played a vital role as the Nigerian Falcons made it to the knockout stage before losing to England.
Following the match, Plumptre took to social media to express her joy at rejoining her teammates.
“Long road back but happy to be with this bunch again,” she wrote, reflecting on her journey and the support she received during her recovery.
Her emotional message resonated with fans and teammates alike, with Michelle Alozie and Jennifer Echegini reacting in the comment section of the post.
Plumptre's return is not just significant for her but also the Super Falcons as they prepare for upcoming challenges, including the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Head coach Justin Madugu has emphasised the importance of integrating experienced players like Plumptre into a squad that is being refreshed and rebuilt.
The friendly match against France served as a crucial test for the Super Falcons, allowing them to gauge their readiness against top-tier competition.
As they continue to develop their squad ahead of major tournaments, Plumptre’s experience and leadership will undoubtedly be invaluable assets.
With this successful comeback, the versatile defender is poised to make a lasting impact on the Super Falcons as they aim for glory on both continental and global stages.