Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumpre has explained taking a break from the national team for two international windows.
The 25-year-old has not featured for the Super Falcons in the two legged 2024 Olympic qualification against Ethiopia last month, and was also not part of the team for the double header WAFCON qualifiers against Cape Verde.
The English-born has not featured for the Super Falcons since the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand where she played a pivotal role as Nigeria finished the group unbeaten for the first time in history.
Plumptre, who recently joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad on a free transfer, having parted ways with Leicester City, opened up on her absence from the national team.
“I guess it has been a break,” she told NigeriaFootball.
“I haven’t been able to go to the upcoming, camp, like I said, it’s more of a personal decision while I take care of my body.
“But ultimately, I want to be fun with the team. It’s a privilege. And I want to be in the best physical condition to be able to go and compete in important games.
“And I feel like right now, I have complete trust and faith in the team.
“I’ll be watching the game while I’m here, but, I want to get to a point where I can compete maximally and provide as much as I can to the team in the best condition.
“So, yeah, I expect to be, I don’t know when. Hopefully as soon as possible.
“I’ve had to make the decision for the benefit of myself, but also the team as well.
“And I’m looking forward to some of the girls that have been called, and especially the younger girls that have been called in.
“It’s like the first or second time or they haven’t had much experience with the senior team.
“Hopefully give them a chance as well. And to be seen, at the top level, I think that’s really important. So, yeah, I’ll be supporting the girls from afar.
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