Plumptre Expresses Disappointment Over Paris 2024 Olympic Absence

Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has shared her disappointment at not making Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris due to an injury.

Plumptre, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification for the Olympics by defeating teams like Cape Verde and Cameroon but was unavailable in the final playoff against South Africa, was left out of the 18-player squad selected by coach Randy Waldrum.

Her absence is due to fitness concerns following an injury she sustained while playing for her club, Al Ittihad, in March.
Despite undergoing surgery in April and working hard on her recovery, Plumptre has not regained full fitness in time for the Olympics.

Expressing her feelings on X, she said, “Timings haven’t aligned to be in contention for the Olympic roster – a dream I’ve held since I can remember.”
She added, “Since having my surgery, I’ve worked in every area of my life to be in the best position to recover, but one thing I’ve learnt is how to listen to my body!”
While on a personal note, it’s a shame to miss out, I cannot put into words my excitement and pride in knowing I’ll be watching my @NGSuper_Falcon girls representing this flag on the Olympic stage.

Go well, girls! Naija to the world!  (2/2)
— Ashleigh Plumptre (@ashplumptre) July 6, 2024
Plumptre also expressed pride and excitement for her teammates, saying,
“While on a personal note, it’s a shame to miss out, I cannot put into words my excitement and pride in knowing I’ll be watching my @NGSuper_Falcon’s girls representing this flag on the Olympic stage. Go well, girls! Naija to the world!”

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons have started training since they arrived in Sevilla, Spain, last Friday to prepare for the Olympics.
Among the invited players, only 36-year-old goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi has previous Olympic experience. She was part of the squad that competed in the Beijing 2008 Olympics, although she did not make any appearances as Nigeria lost to Brazil, Germany, and North Korea.
The Super Falcons are holding a two-week training camp in Seville and will head to France on July 18.
Nigeria will play in Group C, where they will compete against Spain, Japan, and Brazil.