Ashleigh Plumptre explains why she has not played for Nigeria after the Women’s World Cup

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has explained why she has not played for Nigeria since starring at the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Questions have been asked by Nigerian football fans over the exclusion of Plumptre from recent Super Falcons games but she has come forward to say it was a personal call.

The versatile defender who operated as a left-back at the world cup for Nigeria also offered her opinion on the unresolved coaching situation in an exclusive interview with NIGERIA FOOTBALL.

On her national team abscence Plumptre said ” Yeah, 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.

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

” But, yeah, 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 it’s like the first or second time or they haven’t had much experience with the 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, ” the Al Ittihad defender said.

When asked about Randy Waldrum’s unresolved contract with the Nigeria Football Federation which has seen Coach Justin Madugu take charge in acting capacity post world cup, Plumptre said it wasn’t her call to make though she remains grateful to Waldrum for the chance with Nigeria’s women national team.

” It’s not my decision whether coach stays or goes. But the one thing I would say about Randy is he’s always, especially for me personally. I mean, I’ve been brought into the team by Randy.

” I think, at times I’ve actually had to have, a different programme compared to other players to be able to perform and he’s always been very understanding and wants the best for me as a person and a player.

” If I’m honest, I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to represent the national team and play the games I’ve been able to play. If it wasn’t for for his understanding and working with me as a player. So that’s the one thing I can definitely say about that, ” Plumptre told Nigeria Football.

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons of Nigeria will today [November 30, 2023] face Cape Verde in a Women’s Cup of Nations qualification first-leg match at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja by 4pm.