Plumptre missed Super Falcons’ 2-0 victory over Botswana on Thursday after picking up an injury in the loss to South Africa
By Mosope Michaels
Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre could make a return for Nigerias’ final Group C clash of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) against Burundi today (Sunday).
Plumptre missed Super Falcons’ first victory of the tournament over Botswana on Thursday after picking up an injury in the loss against the Banyana Banyana of South Africa.
Nigeria head coach, Randy Waldrum speaking in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, said the 24-year-old defender is likely to play a part in the crucial encounter against Burundi.
ALSO READ: Burkina Faso, Uganda, crash out of WAFCON
He went on to say the technical team will try and give Plumptre some minutes under her belt to ensure she is fit enough for the quarter-finals, he, however, said this is subject to clearance by the team’s doctor.
He said: “We trained earlier, so we have an idea of where she is in her recovery.
“But there’s a possibility that we will hold her again just to make sure she gets ready for the quarterfinals.
“Still, we would consider giving her some game time to get some minutes under her belt before the quarterfinal match. However, it all depends on the doctor.
“Nonetheless, if the game against Burundi were the quarterfinal, she would be playing.
“She’s capable of playing, but we also want to be smart.”
The Super Falcons are likely to face the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon if they finish second in Group C.
Cameroon are second in Group B behind Zambia and qualified for the quarter-finals after defeating Tunisia 2-0 in their final group game on Saturday.
The Nigerian girls are currently in second place in Group C after their 2-0 victory over Botswana, but will need to beat Burundi to be guaranteed qualification into the rounds of 8.
.
