Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has raised hopes of an imminent return to action after revealing that she will be “back on that field soon,” Bold Sports reports.
The 28-year-old shared the update in a post on her official Instagram account on Saturday. She reflected on her 2025/26 season while expressing optimism about her recovery.
Plumptre has been sidelined since the end of February with a persistent foot injury. The Al Ittihad defender underwent successful surgery on her left foot before beginning a rehabilitation programme in the United Kingdom.
The injury forced her to miss the closing months of the season. However, her latest update suggests she is nearing a return to full fitness.
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Alongside a series of photos, Plumptre looked back on some of the milestones of her season. The images included moments with her Al Ittihad teammates, her first international goal for Nigeria, and the launch of the Ashleigh Plumptre Foundation.
“Season 25/26 – Making strides with my people at Al Ittihad, First International goal alongside my girls with Super Falcons, my foundation dream kicks off with 250 girls present in Lagos for football camps and sports trafficking education with Mission 89. Back on that field soon,” she wrote.
Before her injury, Plumptre featured in 10 Saudi Women’s Premier League matches for Al Ittihad, providing four assists during that period.
She scored her first international goal on October 28, 2025, netting the opener in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic in their 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) qualifier clash.
Off the pitch, Plumptre also launched the Ashleigh Plumptre Foundation. The initiative aims to empower young athletes by teaching essential football and life skills while encouraging authenticity.
Plumptre’s return to the pitch would be a timely boost for the Super Falcons ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament will take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16. Nigeria have been drawn in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi as they pursue a record-extending 11th continental title.
