The interim manager of the senior women’s national team, Justin Madugu has provided an update on the absence of star defender Ashleigh Plumptre from the team.
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.
The Nigerian defender is however having a fine start to life at Al Ittihad where she has won the Player of the Month and Best Goal of the Month after scoring a hat trick on her debut.
The 25-year-old was a notable omission when the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released the list of 23 players for the decisive WAFCON qualifier against Cape Verde in Abuja.
However, Madugu has cleared the air concerning the absence of the player who recently moved from the English Women’s Super League (WSL) to the Saudi Women’s Premier League on the completion of her contract with Leicester City
“Ashleigh has been having a lot of injuries,” the coach said in a video posted on Instagram.
“She has been picking some knocks and has not fully recovered – that is the truth about it.
“She needed some rest and a break from the national team engagement so that she can recover fully.
“But she is still part of the team. When she is fully recovered, certainly we know what Ashleigh can bring – she will be part of the team going forward.”
MOLATsportgist 