What Ashleigh Plumptre said after Nigeria’s 5-0 win over Zambia

Super Falcons and Al-Ittihad Women defender, Ashleigh Megan Plumptre, was delighted with Nigeria's performance against Zambia, Soccernet.ng reports.

Justin Madugu opted to shake things up against the Copper Queens ahead of the WAFCON 2024 quarter-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.

The coach's decision was justified as three of the players he included in the starting eleven found the back of the net, and Plumptre was pleased with how the nine-time African champions took charge of the game despite the high stakes.

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“I think we can allow ourselves to celebrate for a day. The girls have been dancing, but I feel really good,” the former Leicester City defender told Victor Ademola.

“I'm happy with the performance. Obviously, as a defender, you like to have clean sheets, and to keep a clean sheet against a team like Zambia was a big deal for us.

“To also have five different goal scorers was good for us as well. I was very happy for Tosin [Demehin] and Osi [Ohale], maybe because defenders don't always get that credit. They're both excellent leaders in their own right.”

“I always enjoy any game that I play with this team, to be honest, but I think because there was so much going into this one, some people thought we would struggle, and some even counted us out, making us feel like underdogs as well.

“It was nice to come out with a statement win, and that'll give us a lot of confidence going into the semi-final.

“People will always doubt, but we have to remember that the teams we played before this game respected us and played in a low-block, making it harder for us to get goals,” the 27-year-old continued.

“Zambia are a bit more offensive, which allowed us to get in behind and be a bit more creative. In the end, it all helps, both doubters and supporters. Fans are fans,” Plumptre concluded.

Ashleigh Plumptre to Doubters & Supporters After 5-0 Win vs Zambia #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/IFrw2GL9eY

— Dr. Victor Ademola (@AdemolaVictorTv) July 19, 2025

The Super Falcons will play against the winner of the quarter-final tie between South Africa and Senegal. The game will be played later today, with kick-off time set for 8:00 PM WAT.