Ashleigh Plumptre: Grateful Super Falcons star 'excited' to start Saudi Arabia journey

Nigeria international Ashleigh Plumptre has started a new adventure and is excited by what it means.

Plumptre has swapped England for Saudi Arabia following a surprise switch to giants Al-Ittihad.

The transfer of the Super Falcons defender to the Middle East was confirmed on Wednesday per Pulse Sports.

The 25-year-old proved to be a reliable player at the recently concluded FIFA Women’s World Cup, FIFAWWC co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia.

She was one of the standout players in Nigeria’s Super Falcons' impressive journey at the ninth World Cup.

Plumptre looked assured and solid in her left-back role, helping Nigeria keep three cleans for the first time at the FIFAWWC. 

She put in a player-of-the-match performance against European champions, England, as Nigeria exited in the round of 16. 

Plumptre looked inspired against the country of her birth but it was not enough to lead the Super Falcons beyond the Lionesses following Nigeria’s defeat through a penalty shootout. 

Plumptre’s excellent displays in Australia proved good enough to earn her a move to Saudi giants Al-Ittihad.

She has now joined the club following the expiration of her contract with childhood club Leicester City.

The Super Falcons defender joins the Yellows who already have big names like ex-Chelsea hero N’Golo Kante and former Liverpool star Fabinho as players who have swapped England for Saudi Arabia.

Reacting to the move, Plumptre noted that she is excited with her latest journey which he describes as being inspired by something more than football. 

“Excited to start this journey alongside some incredible human beings,” Plumptre posted on her socials. “My journey of stepping into more of myself continues. It’s more than football,” the former Leicester player added.