Ashleigh Plumptre resumes Al-Ittihad training after foot injury

Nigerian defender Ashleigh Plumptre has resumed training with the Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad following a lengthy absence due to a foot injury. The 28-year-old underwent surgery in March, which sidelined her for several months and caused her to miss the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Plumptre’s absence coincided with a difficult period for the Nigerian national team, the Super Falcons, who were eliminated in the quarter-finals of the tournament and failed to qualify for the inter-confederation playoffs. Her return is expected to provide defensive depth for both her club and the national team, as she is capable of playing both as a central defender and at left-back.

She is expected to undergo a gradual reintegration into competitive play as she works to regain match fitness for the upcoming season.