Nigeria’s Ashley Plumptre begins Saudi adventure with hat-trick in Al Ittihad win

By Wale Mustapha

Nigerian defender, Ashley Plumptre got off to an unforggetable debut in the Saudi Arabian Premier League with a hat trick to help Al Ittihad recorded a 3-0 win over Eastern Flames on Saturday.

The Super Falcons left back, who rejected lucrative offers from top clubs in Europe joined the Saudi side in the summer with intention of starting new adventure.

It however began on a positive notes for the former Leicester City defender as she won the player of the match with her performance and the match ball for the goals.

Plumptre opened the score sheet in the 31st minute as she fired home from edge of the box after the Eastern Ladies failed to clear their lines from a set piece, beating fellow compatriot Tochukwu Oluehi.

Her two other goals came in the second half with first of them, a close range finish from a well taken free kick.

She completed the hat trick five minutes later with a half volley from inside the box to sealed the win for Al Ittihad.

The 25-year-old will hope to continue on the fine form and make huge impact in Saudi topflight football.

Plumptre who was born in Leicester had played for England youth national team before shifting allegiance to play for Nigeria through her father. Since her nationality switch, she has since represented the West Africans at the 2022 African Women’s Cup of Nations and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.