Nigerian defender Ashleigh Plumptre inspires Al Ittihad to victory with two assists in Saudi Women’s Premier League
Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre was once again the driving force for Al Ittihad as she delivered two assists in their 3–0 win over Eastern Flames in the Saudi Women’s Premier League on Friday.
The Nigerian international, who captained the side last week and set up the winner against Al Ula, played a starring role during a blistering first-half display in Jeddah.
Al Ittihad opened the scoring in the 19th minute through Hala Khashoggi before Plumptre combined with Algerian international Lina Boussaha – who faced Plumptre’s Nigeria in the WAFCON 2024 group stage – to make it 2–0 eight minutes later.
The former Leicester City defender was again instrumental in the 31st minute, linking up with Boussaha to supply the pass that produced Al Ittihad’s third goal and sealed a commanding half-time lead.
Plumptre’s Super Falcons teammate Francisca Ordega came on in the 65th minute to help secure the victory, which temporarily lifts Al Ittihad into second place, pending other weekend results.
They next face leaders Al Nassr on September 27 in a top-of-the-table clash, with both sides level on six points but the Riyadh club ahead on goal difference.
Meanwhile, Nigerian stars continue to feature prominently in Europe following the draw for the UEFA Women’s Champions League group stage.
Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini’s PSG will face Christy Ucheibe’s Benfica, while Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo’s AS Roma prepare for a challenging pool against Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea.
