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Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has explained why she has not played for Nigeria since starring at the 2023 Women\u2019s World Cup.<\/p>\n
Questions have been asked by Nigerian football fans over the exclusion of Plumptre from recent Super Falcons games but she has come forward to say it was a personal call.<\/p>\n
The versatile defender who operated as a left-back at the world cup for Nigeria also offered her opinion on the unresolved coaching situation in an exclusive interview with NIGERIA FOOTBALL.<\/p>\n
On her national team abscence Plumptre said \u201d\u00a0Yeah, I guess it has been a break. I haven\u2019t been able to go to the upcoming, camp, like I said, it\u2019s more of a personal decision while I take care of my body.<\/p>\n
\u201d But ultimately, I want to be fun with the team. It\u2019s a privilege. And I want to be in the best physical condition to be able to go and compete in important games.<\/p>\n
\u201d And I feel like right now, I have complete trust and faith in the team. I\u2019ll be watching the game while I\u2019m here, but, I want to get to a point where I can compete maximally and provide as much as I can to the team in the best condition. So, yeah, I expect to be, I don\u2019t know when, Hopefully as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
\u201d But, yeah, I\u2019ve had to make the decision for the benefit of myself, but also the team as well. And I\u2019m looking forward to some of the girls that have been called, and especially the younger girls that have been called in. And it\u2019s like the first or second time or they haven\u2019t had much experience with the the senior team.<\/p>\n
\u201d Hopefully give them a chance as well. And to be seen, at the top level, I think that\u2019s really important. So, yeah, I\u2019ll be supporting the girls from afar, \u201d the Al Ittihad defender said.<\/p>\n
When asked about Randy Waldrum\u2019s unresolved contract with the Nigeria Football Federation which has seen Coach Justin Madugu take charge in acting capacity post world cup, Plumptre said it wasn\u2019t her call to make though she remains grateful to Waldrum for the chance with Nigeria\u2019s women national team.<\/p>\n
\u201d It\u2019s not my decision whether coach stays or goes. But the one thing I would say about Randy is he\u2019s always, especially for me personally. I mean, I\u2019ve been brought into the team by Randy.<\/p>\n
\u201d I think, at times I\u2019ve actually had to have, a different programme compared to other players to be able to perform and he\u2019s always been very understanding and wants the best for me as a person and a player.<\/p>\n
\u201d If I\u2019m honest, I don\u2019t think I would have had the opportunity to represent the national team and play the games I\u2019ve been able to play. If it wasn\u2019t for for his understanding and working with me as a player. So that\u2019s the one thing I can definitely say about that, \u201d Plumptre told Nigeria Football.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the Super Falcons of Nigeria will today [November 30, 2023] face Cape Verde in a Women\u2019s Cup of Nations qualification first-leg match at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja by 4pm.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n