Ashleigh Plumptre explains Al-Ittihad over Nigeria: Super Falcons star continue absence since World Cup

Tosin Abayomi 13:40 - 30 November 2023

Ashleigh Plumptre has not played for Nigeria since the World Cup, she explains prioritizing Al-Ittihad over Nigeria.

Super Falcons of Nigeria star Ashleigh Plumptre has once again gone viral on social media.

Plumptre would wreak havoc for Al-Ittihad as they dismantled Eastern Flames 3-0 in a Saudi Arabian Women's League opener played on Saturday, October 14, 2023.

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The 25-year-old has made headlines for her remarks about the Nigerian senior women's national team known as the Super Falcons.

Plumptre has been in fine form in Saudi Arabia and recently scored three goals for Al-Ittihad Ladies but won't play for the Super Falcons against Ethiopia

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Ashleigh Plumptre explains Al-Ittihad over Super Falcons of Nigeria

Plumptre according to a report by NigeriaFootball has detailed her continued absence from the National team.

The veteran was among the top performers for the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.

Ashleigh Plumptre in action against England at the Women's World Cup || Credit: Imago

Since then, however, she has not featured for the Super Falcons in the two-leg 2024 Olympic qualification against Ethiopia last month.

Plumptre is also not part of the team for the 2024 Africa Women's Cup of Nations (WAFCON) two-leg tie against Cape Verde.

Ashleigh Plumptre in action for Nigeria || Credit: Imago

She explained taking a break from the team from two international windows.

Plumptre left WSL side Leicester City to join Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad this summer.

In the report, Plumptre explained that she prefers to settle down with Al-Ittihad and take care of her body ahead of joining the Super Falcons camp.

Ashleigh Plumptre scored all three goals from different positions for Al-Ittihad debut against Eastern Flames. X/Al-Ittihad

Ashleigh Plumptre wants younger Super Falcons as she continues with Al-Ittihad

She said, “I guess it has been a break. I haven’t been able to go to the upcoming, camp, like I said, it’s more of a personal decision while I take care of my body.

“But ultimately, I want to be fun with the team. It’s a privilege. And I want to be in the best physical condition to be able to go and compete in important games.

Ashleigh Plumptre in action for Nigeria against England | Photo Credit: Imago

“And I feel like right now, I have complete trust and faith in the team.

"I’ll be watching the game while I’m here, but, I want to get to a point where I can compete maximally and provide as much as I can to the team in the best condition.

Ashleigh Plumptre, Al-Ittihad player || Credit: X/Al-Ittihad

"So, yeah, I expect to be, I don’t know when, Hopefully as soon as possible.

“I’ve had to make the decision for the benefit of myself, but also the team as well.

"And I’m looking forward to some of the girls that have been called, and especially the younger girls that have been called in.

And the beatinh begins for Ashleigh Plumptre. (Photo Credit: Al-Ittihad/X)

“It’s like the first or second time or they haven’t had much experience with the senior team.

"Hopefully give them a chance as well. And to be seen, at the top level, I think that’s really important. So, yeah, I’ll be supporting the girls from afar.”

Plumptre has been in good form for Al-Ittihad and recently scooped a monthly league award.