Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre has wasted no time in showing why she now wears the captain’s armband for Al Ittihad women with her brilliant performance for the team on Saturday evening.
With determination and leadership, the Nigerian defender turned creator, delivering the decisive assist that helped her side edge past Al Ula 2-1 in their Saudi Women’s Premier League opener.
Plumptre’s Magic Sparks Al Ittihad Women Victory
The 27-year-old defender, fresh from a stellar 2023/24 campaign, picked up where she left off.
Plumptre provided the match-winning assist in the 60th minute, after setting up Brazilian forward Leticia Nunes to seal the points at Prince Faisal bin Fahad Stadium, Jeddah.
Her presence was everywhere—90 minutes on the pitch, 45 touches of the ball, 15 defensive interventions, and 11 crucial clearances.
She also completed all her ground duels, showing once again why she is more than just a leader but also a game-changer for Al Ittihad ladies.
A Winning Start Against Al Ula
The clash began with Nunes firing Al Ittihad ahead in the 12th minute, before Tuani Lemos equalised just four minutes later for Al Ula.
The second half proved decisive, with Plumptre pulling the strings in midfield and finally delivering the assist that settled the game.
Francisca Ordega also featured late on, coming in at the 87th minute to help defend the lead as Al Ittihad kicked off their season with maximum points.
Recall that last season, Ashleigh Plumptre contributed directly to 17 goals in 17 matches—seven goals and ten assists.
Now in her third season, the former Leicester City star looks determined to raise that bar and lead Al Ittihad to greater heights.
Their next test comes against Eastern Flames on Friday, September 19, where the Super Falcons defender and 2024 WAFCON winner will again be expected to wield her captain’s wand.
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