Ashleigh Plumptre Leads By Example As Captain, Assists In Al-Ittihad’s Season Opener Win
2 min read
By Sportsgister
Super Falcons star defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, marked her first match of the new season with a standout performance for Al-Ittihad Women’s Football Club, guiding the team to a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Al-Ula FC in the Saudi Women’s Premier League.
The 25-year-old, who made headlines with her summer switch from Leicester City Women in England, showed her leadership qualities immediately—not only by donning the captain’s armband but also by registering a crucial assist that set the tone for her team’s success.
Plumptre’s intelligent defensive display and calm presence at the back helped stabilize her side in a competitive fixture, while her forward vision and creativity proved decisive in creating the opening goal. The Nigerian international’s influence was evident as Al-Ittihad maintained control for much of the encounter, eventually sealing all three points.
Her captaincy marks a significant milestone in her career, reflecting both the trust placed in her by the coaching staff and the respect she has already commanded within the squad. The move to Saudi Arabia has also positioned her as one of the faces of women’s football growth in the region, as the Saudi league continues to attract high-profile international players.
For the Super Falcons of Nigeria, Plumptre’s sharp start to the season will come as welcome news. Following her impressive displays at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, where she played a key role in Nigeria’s defensive resilience, her continued form and leadership will be invaluable ahead of future international assignments.
Al-Ittihad will hope Plumptre’s experience, versatility, and winning mentality can inspire a strong campaign this season as they aim to challenge for domestic honors.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
