September 14, (THEWILL) – The Saudi Arabian Women’s Premier League has made another high-profile signing with the addition of Nigeria international, Ashleigh Plumptre.
The 25-year-old defender has joined Al-Ittihad Ladies after three seasons with English club, Leicester City. She moves to Saudi Arabia on the back of representing Nigeria at the recent Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. In a video released by her new club, she expressed excitement about the “opportunities both on and off the pitch” that await her in the Middle Eastern country.
The Saudi league, now in its second season, has attracted attention for the massive salaries reportedly being offered to players. However, some have criticised it as an attempt by the Saudi government to sportswash its poor human rights record.
Prior to playing for Nigeria, for whom she has 15 caps, Plumptre represented England at youth level. She featured four times for the Super Falcons at the World Cup, where they were knocked out by England in the last 16.
In Al-Ittihad’s announcement, Plumptre spoke of how football has always been about “connecting with not only more of myself, but with the people that I’m surrounded by”. She added she was looking forward to “representing something bigger than myself” at her new club.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
