Ashleigh Plumptre resumes Al-Ittihad training after foot injury

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has returned to training with Al-Ittihad after spending several months out with a foot injury, providing a boost for both the Saudi Arabian club and Nigeria.

Plumptre underwent surgery in March after sustaining the injury, which kept her away from competitive football for an extended period. Her absence also meant she missed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a significant setback for Nigeria’s preparations for the continental tournament.

The 28-year-old has now resumed work with Al-Ittihad as she continues her recovery and begins the process of rebuilding her match fitness. She is expected to be brought back gradually after her lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Plumptre’s return will be welcomed by the Super Falcons after Nigeria’s disappointing campaign at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Justine Madugu’s side were eliminated in the quarter-finals and also failed to secure a place in the inter-confederation playoffs.

The outcome brought Nigeria’s tournament to a frustrating conclusion and highlighted the importance of having experienced defensive options available. Plumptre’s versatility has made her an important member of the national team, with the defender capable of operating both in central defence and at left-back.

Her availability could give Madugu an additional experienced player to consider for Nigeria’s upcoming international engagements. However, Plumptre is likely to require time before she is ready to return to the demands of competitive football.

The defender will first focus on completing her rehabilitation and regaining full fitness with Al-Ittihad. Her immediate priority will be to make a controlled return to action for the club during the new season before turning her attention back to international football.

Plumptre will be hoping that her return to training marks the end of the injury problems that disrupted her year. A successful recovery would allow her to re-establish herself at Al-Ittihad and eventually resume her role with the Super Falcons.

The defender has become a valuable figure for Nigeria because of her ability to cover more than one position across the back line. That flexibility is particularly important for Madugu as the national team prepares for its next international commitments following the early end to its Women’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

For now, Plumptre’s return to club training represents the first step in her comeback. She must continue to build strength and fitness before being considered for a full competitive role, but her presence back on the training pitch offers encouragement after several months away.

If her recovery progresses as planned, she will aim to play a prominent part for Al-Ittihad in the new season and then make her return to international duty with Nigeria.