“It was Crazy but I still want to play” — Ashleigh Plumptre on Olympics

Super Falcons star, Ashleigh Plumptre, has set her sights on representing Nigeria at the 2024 Olympic Games, expressing her fervent desire to return to the Super Falcons squad following a hiatus due to fitness concerns.

Having previously represented England at the youth level, the 25-year-old made a pivotal decision to switch her allegiance to Nigeria.

Plumptre‘s international journey saw her contribute to Nigeria’s campaigns at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

However, since the culmination of the World Cup, the former Leicester City player has been absent from the Super Falcons’ roster, citing fitness issues as the barrier to her return to the national team.

In a recent interview with Arab News, Ashleight Plumptre, currently plying her trade for Saudi club Al Ittihad, reaffirmed her ambition to rejoin the Falcons and vie for a spot in the Olympic squad.

“The Olympics would be the pinnacle of my career. It makes me smile just thinking about it,” expressed Plumptre, reflecting on her aspirations.

“I love helping people, and my passion for human biology since school has been unwavering. As a child, my dream was to be a doctor on an Olympic team because I hold the Olympics in such high regard.”

The defender also reminisced about her memorable experience at the last Women’s World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

“It was a crazy, crazy experience, but one that I will always cherish. I want to remember this for the rest of my life,” she added, highlighting the significance of her journey in international women’s football.