‘Nigeria’s display against England is a sign of great things to come’ – Ashleigh Plumptre

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria defender, Ashleigh Plumptre has described the team’s gallant display against European champions, England as a sign of what the Super Falcons and African teams are capable of achieving in the future at the world stage.

The nine-time African champions had more chances to win the Round of 16 game of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup against England but lost out due to profligacy in front of goal.

After a 0-0 draw in regulation time, the Lionesses secured a 4-2 win on penalties but didn’t find the match that easy, a situation Plumptre saw as making the right statement.

“I think everybody counted us out against England,” said Plumptre during her post-match reactions.

 “And I’m telling you, after this game, I’m tired of people just saying that African teams are just strong, and they’re just fast, and count us out as being technical or tactical.

“Like we just pushed England to the very end. And I actually think that we had better chances than them.”

Plumptre who grew up just outside of Leicester and went as far as England’s U17 team before switching over to Nigeria.

“We made a statement here. We won’t be forgotten for what we’ve done and this will just be the foundation moving forward,” she said.

“Now we have expectations to get out of this group all the time. To push these teams all the time. We just need to keep believing in ourselves and get the backing we deserve and I think we can go a long way.”

Nigeria went close to taking the lead with a wonder strike in the 16th minute.

A cross from the right was headed away but only to Ashleigh Plumptre outside the box. She hits it the first time and very sweetly, but though it beats Mary Earps, it does not beat the woodwork and it comes crashing off the frame of the goal and away from danger.

Having just smashed off the crossbar, Plumptre forced a decent save out of Earps after rifling another powerful effort towards the England goal.

The team bowed out of the tournament but would be proud of their performance ahead of the Olympic Qualifiers as they attempt to return to the women’s event of the Olympics after absence since 2008.