Plumptre recalled as Nigeria begin Olympic qualifying campaign

Ashleigh Plumptre has been recalled to the Nigeria squad for their opening Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros, after missing recent international duty because of injury.

The Al-Ittihad Ladies defender is one of several experienced players selected by interim head coach Eguavoen as the 10-time African champions start their campaign to reach the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Captain Rasheedat Ajibade, goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie, forward Asisat Oshoala and defenders Michelle Alozie and Oluwatosin Demehin are also included in the squad announced by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Tuesday.

Plumptre’s inclusion gives Eguavoen an additional experienced option in defence as Nigeria begin their attempt to return to the women’s Olympic football tournament.

The interim coach has also rewarded two players with their first senior call-ups. Christiana Uzoma was part of the Nigeria team at the recently concluded FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, while Oluwakemi Adegbuyi caught the eye during the Flamingos’ victory in the WAFU-B U-17 Girls Cup.

Other young players named in the squad include Farida Abdulwahab, Tumininu Adeshina, Favour Nkwocha, Shakirat Moshood and Janet Akekoromowei.

Nigeria will play Comoros in the second round of the African qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games.

Comoros are due to host the first leg on 9 October, before Nigeria stage the return fixture on 13 October 2026. However, both matches will take place at Remo Stars Sports Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros do not have a venue approved by CAF for international matches.

The Super Falcons were given a bye into the second round. Comoros reached this stage after beating Sudan 30–0 on aggregate.

Nigeria must successfully negotiate four rounds of two-legged ties to claim one of the two places available to African teams at the Los Angeles Olympics.