Ashleigh Plumptre agrees new Al-Ittihad contract running to 2028

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has signed a new two-year deal with Al-Ittihad Ladies, committing her future to the Saudi Women’s Premier League side until 2028.

The Nigeria international, who joined the Jeddah club from Leicester City on a free transfer in September 2023, has become one of Al-Ittihad’s standout performers and a central figure in their squad.

Since arriving in Saudi Arabia, the 28-year-old has produced an eye-catching return of 15 goals and 19 assists in 41 appearances in all competitions for the Tigers, underlining her influence at both ends of the pitch despite being primarily a defender.

Injury rules Plumptre out of WAFCON defence

Plumptre is currently sidelined with a foot injury that has kept her out since March and continues to work on her rehabilitation ahead of the new campaign.

That lay-off has also led to her omission from Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with national-team selectors opting to give the defender time to focus entirely on regaining full fitness before returning to competitive action.

The absence comes despite Plumptre’s importance to the Super Falcons in recent years. She played a key role in Nigeria’s run at the 2024 edition of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Falcons secured a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

Key figure for club and country

Her performances at the 2024 tournament further strengthened her reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential players, consolidating a status built on consistent displays at international level and impressive form since her move to Al-Ittihad.

Plumptre’s new contract means Al-Ittihad will retain a player who has combined defensive assurance with significant attacking output, while Nigeria will hope her extended club stability and recovery from injury position her to remain a cornerstone of the Super Falcons set-up once she returns to action.