Ashleigh Plumptre: Super Falcons Defender Joins Saudi Women Club Al Ittihad

• Ashleigh Plumptre has been rewarded following her impressive performance at the FIFA Women’s World Cup
• The Nigerian international was one of the revelations of the tournament where the Super Falcons reached the Round of 16
• She has signed a mouthwatering contract with Saudi club Al Ittihad Women

Nigerian international Ashleigh Plumptre has joined Saudi outfit Al Ittihad, where she will continue with her professional footballing career.

According to a statement by the Saudi outfit, the defender has left English club Leicester City Women on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old made the headlines following her impressive performances for the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.

Plumptre featured in all of Nigeria’s matches before they crashed out of the tournament after losing to England Women in the Round of 16 via a penalty shootout.

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After the club unveiled the player, she said as per GOAL:

“Grateful to have signed for Al-Ittihad. Excited to start this journey alongside some incredible human beings. My journey of stepping into more of myself continues. It’s more than football”

“Everything I have done in my career so far is about doing something bigger than myself.

“I joined Al Ittihad because of new opportunities on and off the pitch. I’m not here with any expectations; I’m here to be myself.

“I hope that I can learn and take so much from the environment as a football player and, more importantly, as a human being.”

The Saudis are definitely making strides in their pursuit of global domination when it comes to this move for Plumptre, which like what happened in the men's division could see other female stars taking that leap of faith to the Middle Eastern nation.

Oparanozie announces retirement

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Super Falcons star Desire Oparanozie has decided to retire from professional football a month after the conclusion of the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The striker, who started her football career at Bayelsa Queens in the Nigerian Women's League, decided to call time on her football career at the age of 29.

She was a member of the Nigeria Women's team that featured at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup but failed to register a goal in the competition.