Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has expressed her delight at the team’s brilliant start to the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), following their commanding 3-0 victory in the opening game at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Sunday.
Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo secured a statement win for the Falcons against a Tunisian side that struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match.
Plumptre was one of the standout performers on the night, making her mark defensively and contributing to the attack. She forged a formidable understanding with forward players Babajide and Esther Okoronkwo, both of whom shone in the encounter.
Reacting to the result, the Al-Ittihad defender emphasized the importance of starting strong, noting that the victory helped the team shake off early tournament nerves.
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“I feel really happy. Obviously, it’s the first game of the tournament, and there are always a lot of nerves and excitement going into it. To come away with three goals and a clean sheet is a really nice way to start,” the 27-year-old told Ademola Victor TV after the match.
Looking ahead to the remaining Group B fixtures, Plumptre described the win against Tunisia as a vital stepping stone for the team.
“We’ll take this as a good foundation going into the next game. We’ll analyze what we did well and what we need to improve on. I think both in attack and defense we could have maintained an even higher standard, but for sure, we’re happy to have secured the three points,” she said.
She also called on fans to continue supporting the team as they chase a record-extending 10th continental title.
“I’m just so grateful for all the support since I joined the team. It’s been about four years now, and I was welcomed with open arms from the start. Even now, I still feel the love from all the Nigerian fans. My message to them is to keep supporting us — we’ll give everything to bring success to the team.”
Nigeria, the most successful women’s team on the continent with nine WAFCON titles, have dubbed their campaign “Mission X” as they set their sights on lifting a historic 10th trophy.
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