“I can’t wait to be back” – Super Falcons’ Ashleigh Plumptre undergoes surgery

Super Falcons and Al-Ittihad defender, Ashleigh Megan Plumptre, has undergone successful surgery on her right foot after picking up an injury last month, Soccernet.ng reports.

The England-born Nigerian moved 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.

The 25-year-old picked up an injury with her club side last month, knocking her off course as she was unable to feature in Nigeria's final Olympic qualification tie against South Africa.

Coach Randy Waldrum's ladies secured a 1-nil aggregate victory over the Banyana Banyana, securing their spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics where they've been drawn into Group C, alongside Japan, Brazil and Spain.

The former Leicester City defender took to her social media page to announce that she underwent a successful surgery on her right foot, thanked everyone who helped her through such a difficult period and is now fully focused on her recovery.

Surgery ✅

Thank you to everyone at @ittiladiesclub and to Dr Pieter D’Hooge at @Aspetar for supporting me through my first surgery.

It’s been a long time coming trying to get answers but I’m so grateful to now be at this stage (1/3) pic.twitter.com/uijgrIDIDF

— Ashleigh Plumptre (@ashplumptre) April 21, 2024

Rinsola Babajide, Michelle Alozie, Rasheedat Ajibade, Osinachi Ohale, Jennifer Echegine and Chiamaka Nnadozie all wished their national teammate a speedy recovery.