“Grateful for the hat-trick” – Super Falcons star happy to help Al-Ittihad beat Al-Ahly 6-2 (Watch the goals)

The Nigeria international has been living the dream since she switched from Europe to the Middle East

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has expressed delight in netting the crucial goals that handed Al-Ittihad Women their massive derby victory over city rivals Al-Ahly, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Plumptre smashed three excellent goals as Al-Ittihad Women sealed an impressive 6-2 win over Al-Ahly in the Saudi Arabian Women’s League.

Mustapha Nor’s fine header gave Al-Ittihad the lead in the tenth minute before Plumptre forced a right-footed drive past Al-Ahly’s goalkeeper to double the home team’s advantage.

Nor made it three-nil shortly after, and in the 40th minute, Plumptre fired a Goal-of-the-Season contender with her preferred left foot into the top corner.

Plumptre completed her hattrick in first-half stoppage time as she timed her run to perfection before connecting to a lofted free-kick with her left foot.

Watch her goals below…

Plumptre’s hat-trick is her second since she arrived in Saudi Arabia this summer.

The Nigeria international parted ways with her childhood club, Leicester City, to sign for Al-Ittihad on a free transfer, and she announced her coming with a hat-trick on Matchday one of the league against Eastern Flames in October.

Revealing her joy at netting another hat-trick and how her stay in Saudi Arabia is going so far, the versatile defender wrote on X (formerly Twitter):

 

“A blessing to experience every moment with this team.

“Enjoyed my first derby game with this group and grateful for the hat-trick in front of our incredible fans.”

Plumptre was a key member of Nigeria’s squad to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She featured prominently as the Super Falcons made it past the group stage without suffering a defeat before exiting the tournament after losing on penalties to England.