Plumptre sad, disappointed to miss Olympics

Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has expressed disappointment after failing to recover in time from an injury that has ruled her out of the forthcoming 2024 Olympics in Paris, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Plumptre suffered an injury in March and was forced to miss Nigeria’s last round of the qualifiers against South Africa.

The former Leicester City player has not featured for the Falcons since her impressive performance at the 2023 World Cup jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The versatile defender was initially invited by Randy Waldrum for the game against the Banyana Banyana but opted out after picking up the injury while on duty for Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.

In her absence, the Super Falcons secured their spot at the Olympics by defeating South Africa 1-0 in Abuja and holding them to a goalless draw in Pretoria.

In June, Plumptre took to her social media to upload videos of her recovery from the injury as she hoped to return ahead of the Olympic Games in Paris.

The 26-year-old shared videos of a training session with fitness and rehabilitation coach Warren Williams on her Instagram page.

The defender has, however, failed to recover in time and was not included in Waldrum’s list released on Thursday for the showpiece.

Plumptre once again wrote on her page expressing her sadness and disappointment in missing out on the Olympics.

“Timings haven’t aligned to be in contention for the Olympic roster – a dream I’ve held since I can remember,” she wrote.

“Since having my surgery, I’ve worked in every area of my life to be in the best position to recover, but one thing I’ve learnt is how to really listen to my body!

“While on a personal note, it’s a shame to miss out, I cannot put into words my excitement and pride in knowing I’ll be watching my Super Falcons girls representing this flag on the Olympic stage.

“Go well, girls! Naija to the world!”

The England-born Nigerian has been in fine form since moving to Saudi Arabia last summer after Nigeria exited the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in the round of sixteen, losing to the three Lionesses on penalties.

Capable of playing as a central defender and playing as a full-back, Plumptre has been a great addition to Al-Ittihad this season, and she’s found the back of the net six times.