CAFWOQ: Ashleigh Plumptre to miss South Africa clash, replaced by Jumoke Alani

In a major setback for the Nigerian national women’s football team, Al-Ittihad defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has been sidelined from the Super Falcons’ crucial Olympic qualification final against South Africa.

The 25-year-old has been in sensational form since her move to the Saudi Arabian club after the 2023 FIFA World Cup. She has scored eight goals for her new club, including a hat-trick.

The former Leicester City women’s defender was among the early arrivals at the camp alongside Rasheedat Ajibade and Linda Jiwauku in preparation for the upcoming doubleheader.

However, the scoring defender has been confirmed to miss the match against Desiree Elis’ troops due to injury.

Meanwhile, in her place, Jumoke Alani has been named as the replacement defender.

The two-legged tie between Nigeria and South Africa’s first leg is scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday, 5 April.

The teams will then travel to Pretoria for the return fixture at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday, 9 April.

Randy Waldrum’s team will be looking to qualify for the Olympics for the first time in 16 years.