Nigeria international defender Ashleigh Plumptre has agreed a new two-year contract with Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al-Ittihad Ladies, keeping her at the club until 2028.
The 28-year-old defender has committed her immediate future to the Saudi Arabian club despite currently being sidelined by a foot injury. Plumptre has been recovering from the problem since March and is not expected to feature for Nigeria at the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Her decision to miss the tournament is understood to be part of a longer-term approach to her recovery, with the defender omitted from the Super Falcons squad as she continues her rehabilitation.
Plumptre’s new deal represents a further extension of her time with Al-Ittihad, where she has established herself as an important player since arriving in 2023.
The defender joined the club as a free agent in September 2023 after her contract with Leicester City came to an end. Since moving to the Saudi Women’s Premier League, she has made 41 appearances for the Tigers, contributing 15 goals and 19 assists.
Her ability to operate in different defensive roles has made her a versatile option, while her attacking contribution has also been significant during her time at the club.
Plumptre’s latest contract means she will remain with Al-Ittihad through to 2028, extending a spell that began after her departure from Leicester City.
The defender’s absence from Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations will be a blow to the Super Falcons, but the decision to leave her out has been taken with her long-term recovery in mind.
Plumptre has been an important member of the Nigerian national team in recent years and was part of the Super Falcons side that lifted the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2024.
That success saw Nigeria claim a record-extending 10th WAFCON crown, adding to the country’s status as the most successful team in the history of the competition.
For Plumptre, the focus is now on recovering fully from the foot injury before returning to competitive football. Her new Al-Ittihad contract provides her with continued security at club level as she works towards regaining full fitness.
The defender’s decision to prioritise her recovery also means she will miss the opportunity to defend the WAFCON title with Nigeria at the 2026 tournament.
Despite that setback, Plumptre remains under contract with Al-Ittihad for the next two seasons beyond the current campaign. Her record since joining the club highlights her influence, with 15 goals and 19 assists from 41 appearances.
The new agreement ensures that the former Notts County player will continue her career in Saudi Arabia until 2028, while the Super Falcons will have to manage the upcoming tournament without one of their experienced defensive options.
Plumptre’s next priority will be completing her recovery from the injury that has kept her out since March and returning to action for Al-Ittihad when she is ready.
