Plumptre joins Musa, Ighalo in Saudi league big boys club
Super Falcons of Nigeria defender, Ashleigh Plumptre has become the fourth Nigerian footballer to score a hat-trick in Saudi Arabia.
Plumptre who was part of the Super Falcons team to the recently concluded World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, scored three goals for Al Ittihad last weekend to take home the match ball just like Nigeria’s Rashidi Yekini, Ahmed Musa, and Odion Ighalo, did during their days in the league.
Her impressive run in the encounter helped Al Ittihad Women to beat Eastern Flames 3-0 despite playing as a defender and was her first game in the league.
READ ALSO Tella reveals why he wants to play for Nigeria’s Super Eagles
Recall that Plumptre recently left the English women’s team, Leicester City, for Saudi Arabian club, Al Ittihad on a free transfer.
After completing the move, she spent some time acclimatizing and it seems she is settled based on her performance against Eastern Flames.
Flash back Plumptre signing autograph for a young admirer after joining the Saudi club
Plumptre used the match which was Al Ittihad’s opening Saudi Arabian Women’s League game of the 2023–2024 season, to announce herself.
READ ALSO Al-Ittihad Welcome Super Falcons star Plumptre With Guard of Honour
The Nigeria international gave Al Ittihad the lead with a perfectly timed shot in the first half.
Then, in the second half, she showed excellent awareness to seize a free kick and score a stunning volley to make it 2-0
In the 66th minute, Plumptre scored Al Ittihad’s third goal. She showed her killer instinct by receiving a pass from one of her teammates in the box and executing a precise strike into the net.