₦airaland Forum

GeneralDae:
Kenya misses penalty in last kick of the game

FT: Kenya 1 Botswana 1

Fans storm out angrily.

That was never a penalty though as it happened just outside the Box except say na me no da see well ooo

yinkeys:
Sad Waldrum the tactician is gone though

Let me dream a little

It would be an amazing feat if this group of Falcons win Paris 2024 Olympics gold

No one expected Canada to win in Tokyo 2020

Just like Atlanta 1996 Dream Eagles

Falcons at the 2023 World Cup tournament played better & surpassed our best outing at the mundial USA 1999. Falcons looked like a formidable side in AUNZ 2023

Maybe Randy Waldrum will be back… He was already building a formidable squad, He made the SuperFalcons have better players options in terms of unavailability of some of the Big names…

With what he had built on during the World Cup, I believe it was the midfield and attack especially that needed more work which he would have been working on right now….

I know too well that he didn’t use the Home Based players here but the few ones he gave chances were deserving unlike what interim Coach Justin Madugu is doing now, Calling up players the team don’t even need or not deserving players..

Randy Deserves to continue, Attacking wise he would have also gain a lot Coaching at the World Cup.. I would have preferred his no1 Assistant at the World Coach Terry Eguaoje to Carry on than this Justin until Randy returns cause this guy is very equipped especially on Paper 📝..

yinkeys:
Botswana is a better team regardless.
They beat Nigeria the last time they played us
Africa should be parading its best teams

Which Nigeria Botswana Beat?? Cause the Botswana I know can’t stand the SuperFalcons even with the nonsense going with the FA right now..

Wafcon 2024 Qualifiers 2nd Rd 1st leg
HT” Kenya 🇰🇪 1-1 Botswana 🇧🇼
Marjolene Nekesa 45+4. Keitumtse Dithebe 37

Ashleigh Plumptre explains the lure to Saudi Arabia from England

Ashleigh Plumptre admitted that she is not bothered by criticisms about her move to the Saudi Arabia Women’s Premier League from England and denied accusations of any financial lure.

The Nigerian defender has joined Saudi club Al-Ittihad on a free transfer, having parted ways with Leicester City, teaming up with Kelly Lindsey, a former US international and Morocco coach, who left her role of Lewes FC’s head of performance this summer to become manager at Al-Ittihad.

Since arriving the Middle East this September, the 25-year-old, who becomes the third Nigerian in the Saudi top-flight after Rita Chikwelu and Tochukwu Oluehi, has hit the ground running, scoring a hat-trick on her debut and scooping the Player of the Month award for October.

In this exclusive interview with Samuel Ahmadu, NigeriaFootball Chief Editor, Plumptre, who played all four Nigeria matches at the Women’s World Cup, opened up on her big move and fine start to life in the fast-rising Saudi topflight as well as her absence from the national team.

1. You made a huge impact on your winning debut for Al-Ittihad, scoring a hat-trick – what influenced such a historic and memorable personal goalscoring feat from you?

Ashleigh Plumptre: Yeah, I can’t say that I was going into the game expecting to score three goals.

Obviously being a defender, I sometimes they come few and far between, but I went into the game just trying to take in the moment that it was my first game and I’m not necessarily been around my team for that long, but I wanted to go out there and try and support and help and encourage them as much as possible.

And at times I felt like I could get forward more so than I usually have been able to. And in that sense, I’ve just been able to take my chances.

2. What was on your mind in terms of target going into the match, and especially when you scored those goals against your compatriot Tochi Oluehi?

AP: Going into that match, I kind of went in. Everything was kind of, you know. I didn’t really know what I was expecting because it was my first game.

I didn’t know about the other team necessarily. I remember looking across the pit and seeing her in the warm up, and I looked over to her and we both waved.

And I was just so happy to see her even when we were shaking hands. Um, before the game, I felt like I had, like, I gave her a hug. I felt like I wanted to give her a hug because I was just Yeah, so happy to see her.

But, yeah, I did warn the team about Tochi. I said, you know, it’s not easy to to score against her. She’s a very good goalkeeper. So we were going to have to create some good opportunities in order to score, because, I know how talented she is.

3. Do you agree with those who feel there’s no footballing reason behind your decision to move to Saudi Arabia?

AP: Yeah, people who say there’s no footballing reason for me to go to Saudi.

Obviously, They don’t know why I’ve come in the first place. I believe that everybody is entitled to their own opinion, but I have spoken enough about it, and people really don’t want to understand.

They will understand where I’m coming from. This isn’t just about football, For me.

This is being able to be somewhere where I can be challenged in a in a different realm but also being in an environment where I’m around people who want to have such a positive impact on other people’s lives.

4. Was it that you didn’t get high-profile offers in Europe – talking us through offers you turned down to accept this Saudi move?

AP: Now, that’s, not the reason. I did had offers in Europe and also had an offer in America, but it’s not about that again.

My journey in football isn’t about just going to high profile teams for the sake of going to high profile teams. I have a very good understanding of myself and what I want out of football.

So the decision to go to Saudi was even with other offers. After the Women’s World Cup, I probably had a couple more opportunities to go somewhere else.

But I never went, preceding my decision to come here. Because as soon as I had the feeling from speaking to the coach, I knew this is where I wanted to be.

5. What were the convincing words of the coaches and aspirations of the management in your transfer switch?

AP: It wasn’t convincing words, of the coach, She didn’t have to convince me at all. I think the one thing that she was, was probably the opposite of that of convincing.

She was just honest. And I believe in people who are honest, have integrity, have passion for something deeper, something meaningful.

I connected to her on that level. In fact, in that first conversation with her, I spoke to her for about an hour and, we barely even spoke about football. And and I guess that would come as a surprise to some people.

But, while football is what I’m here to do, it’s my job. And I’m very lucky to have the profession I have. I’m lucky enough as well to be able to to be able to do more than just play football. And I feel like being a professional footballer, a female professional footballer. I have a responsibility to do more than just that.

So, yeah, there wasn’t any convincing words. It was just her honesty and integrity that I was really drawn to. And her aspirations, the kind of impact that she wants to have, and I aligned with that completely.

6. What are your personal and overall targets for your first season in Saudi Arabia?

AP:My personal targets, initially are to try and get as many good results as possible. We want to obviously, we’re aiming to try and win, the league and the Cup. But it’s a lot more easier said than done.

I think the investment and the trajectory that football is on out here is going really fast really quickly in a good way.

So we don’t necessarily just have easy games all the time. So, yeah, to win as much as possible, but also for me, I want to be able to work on some of the things that I’m I almost like, have the time to be able to work on out here.

And like I’ve had really good conversations with the coaches and how I can even being in a different league like this, there are still ways I can push myself and make sure I want to be the best level I can be, especially if I can get continue being called up for the national team.

I have responsibility there. I want to keep improving both domestically and internationally, so I want to make sure I can continue doing that here and then my other personal targets while I’m here to try and be some kind of sound boards to my teammates. Try and they’ve got questions. Try and help them learn, Push them, help them pass their comfort zone. And, honestly, all I want to do is just try and be a good teammate and hopefully build some good relationships out here where people feel like they can get, be better, like become better football players and and learn more about the game.

7. Is Saudi Arabian league competitive enough to attract more foreigners?

AP: I think already you can see players being brought out here. I actually love more than anything to see African players out here, especially like my teammates.

Initially, I only knew that Rita (Chikwelu) was here. So just, having, like, playing up against African players. I honestly, I think it’s one of the hardest things I’ve come up against. Um, previously, like my game against Ivory Coast.

That was such a tough game. And I just hope that I really hope the more African players come and play in this Saudi league. But yeah, I definitely think It’s getting competitive and, you know, it’s only the second year since it’s been professional.

So to think that there’s such a big number of internationals coming over here, already being attracted. I just think the league will get better, But, also like the Saudi players who are here, these are the ones who really, really want to learn, and, you know, they haven’t even been playing professional football for for very long.

But you can see how much they’re coming on in such a short period of time. So, yeah, I expect it to keep improving.

8. In terms of culture and tradition, how are you coping with your new environment?

AP: I honestly am loving my new environment. I feel like constantly I’m learning, like all the girls are so open.

I’ve had individual chats with a lot of my teammates. I’ve had group chats with a lot of them. We’ve just spoken about so many such a range of things and whether it’s them playing Arabic songs and I’m learning Arabic songs and I’m showing them like one of my teammates, she’s actually from England, but she loves BURNA boy.

So we’re constantly talking about, you know, they’re playing Arabic music. We’re playing either Nigerian songs or songs from England. So yeah, we talk a lot about food and music and culture and tradition, for sure.

But even in terms of how the tradition for them and culture has changed, yeah, honestly, I’ve just felt like I’m learning every day, and I’m loving it. The ninth question made me laugh. I feel like to be a striker.

There has to be some consistency. Well, more consistent consistency than what I’ve shown. I mean, a very cliche answer, but I’m more than happy to play wherever I’m needed.

9. After scoring her first career hat trick, will she be willing to step up to a striking role if need be?

AP: I couldn’t I’ve never considered myself to be a striker in the past, but I really do enjoy getting forward even the second game, the game we’ve just played at the weekend we drew.

But, I found myself on left wing sometimes and in the middle sometimes. And I actually like that.

There’s a freedom in it and in that sense, actually, like forcing you to it forces me to do things that I haven’t done, or I don’t usually do. So that’s actually been really interesting and enjoyable for me.





10. What does it mean to have two other Nigerian players, Tochukwu Oluehi and Rita Chikwelu with you in Saudi Arabia?

AP: Honestly, just hearing the question. It makes me happy. I love my Nigerian teammates so much. I wish they were actually closer because they’re a plane journey away.

If they were closer, I would definitely be seeing them outside of football. I mean, it was really nice to see Tochi. Well, both of them are like big sisters to me, so yeah. I want them to do well, obviously, when we play each other, obviously want us to win.

But I always, yeah, wish them the best and hope they’re having a good time out here, and it seems like they are.

11. You’ve taken a brief break from the national team, do you miss the girls and how soon should Nigerians expect to see you back?

AP: Yeah, I guess it has been a break. I haven’t been able to go to the upcoming, camp, like I said, it’s more of a personal decision while I take care of my body.

But ultimately, I want to be fun with the team. It’s a privilege. And I want to be in the best physical condition to be able to go and compete in important games.

And I feel like right now, I have complete trust and faith in the team. I’ll be watching the game while I’m here, but, I want to get to a point where I can compete maximally and provide as much as I can to the team in the best condition. So, yeah, I expect to be, I don’t know when, Hopefully as soon as possible.

But, yeah, I’ve had to make the decision for the benefit of myself, but also the team as well. And I’m looking forward to some of the girls that have been called, and especially the younger girls that have been called in. And it’s like the first or second time or they haven’t had much experience with the the senior team.

Hopefully give them a chance as well. And to be seen, at the top level, I think that’s really important. So, yeah, I’ll be supporting the girls from afar.

12. The Nigeria Football Federation is contemplating handing Randy Waldrum’s contract extension, do you think Waldrum deserves a stay by your assessment of his coaching regime?

AP: It’s not my decision whether coach stays or goes. But the one thing I would say about Randy is he’s always, especially for me personally. I mean, I’ve been brought into the team by Randy.

I think, at times I’ve actually had to have, a different programme compared to other players to be able to perform and he’s always been very understanding and wants the best for me as a person and a player.

If I’m honest, I don’t think I would have had the opportunity to represent the national team and play the games I’ve been able to play. If it wasn’t for for his understanding and working with me as a player. So that’s the one thing I can definitely say about that.

GeneralDae:
I think there is another account called: "The Super Falcons Show". @Superfalconshow. Those ones give details but I wonder why they chose to give more details there and not the official account.

SuperFalcons show is handled by a very good friend of mine but sponsored by MTN…

Copied

I am posting this to call the attention of Nigeria Super Falcons Media department and show them how it's done in this 21st century.

This is the arrival of the Black Queens of Ghana🇬🇭 and their first training session ahead of their 2024 WAFCON qualifying match against Namibia🇳🇦.

I have been monitoring the Super Falcons page/account via Facebook and X (formerly known as Twitter) since Monday but nothing of such, then how do you want Nigerians to know about their players when they are around to represent our country🇳🇬?

During matchday too, no live streaming, no action pictures during the match...

What exactly the media department are doing to promote the Female team?

Àlàbí Tolúlọpẹ́ Michael ATM ✍️

Photo credit: GFA Communication🇬🇭

codemaniacs:
its not crazy..

the award is called "BBC" Women’s Footballer of the Year..

it is a bri:tish award.

😂🤗😂 British

CAF APPOINTS 2CO.RITA BOATENG NKANSAH FOR AFCON QUALIFIER.

Second Class Officer (2CO.) Rita Boateng Nkansah has been appointed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as the main referee for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and Cape Verde on November 30, 2023 to be played at the MKO Abiola stadium in Abuja, Nigeria.

2CO. Rita who earned her FIFA badge last year is currently one of the best female referees on the African continent.
She was adjudged the Best Female Referee for the 2022/2023 Football season at the Ghana Football Association (GFA) Awards.

2024 WAFCON Qualifier: Cape Verde Departs For Nigeria.

The women's national team of Cape Verde has left camp for Nigeria ahead of the first leg of the 2024 Women's African Cup of Nations qualifier.

The group had been preparing for their match against Nigeria's Super Falcons in a closed camp in Dakar, Senegal.

Ghana Black Queens during today

Fine Fine Girls in Building….

daveP:
If they have sense, they can make it a project that becomes permanently synonymous with the club that even international scouts become aware of such a rep-a club that produces excellent goalkeepers.

The Abridged league would kind of slow down their exposure to the Public cause of lack of good number of games, Again their goalkeeping rotating system might be poor, they need to learn from Barcelona they’re good at that..

daveP:
The handler that interviewed Payne. Oh my God. What sort of wack camera quality is that? Was that a torchlight phone used to interview? The pitch dey do me somehow for eyes sha. Anyway, best of lucky to the girls.

When will Esther Okoronkwo even play sef?

Na SuperFalcons media Officer be that na… madam Tobex!

BascoVanVeli:
Edo packed goalkeepers like they are featuring in 5 competitions

No mind them, Those 4 goalies are capable of been the first choice of any NWPL side, have been hoping to see that no.1 with the U17 anytime soon..!

Edo Queens and Bayelsa Queens just pick all the goalies wha we fit manage for the National Team put for their Club..

Again NWPL Clubs really need to improve on their goalkeeping training cause with what I’m seeing the league is Lacking capable Safe hands right now..

We do need younger Goalie to give Nnadozie a run for her money or better still stand in well when

AkinDS:
Hopefully, that should be the last of her for the U20 team.
She was terrible!

She’s Coach Danjuma Goalkeeper at Club level, Still wondering why we’re struggling to get this Capable safe hands at this level, I can bet that it’s only Tochukwu Oluehi, Alaba Jonathan, Onyinyechi Okeke, Chiamaka Nnadozie that did well from the U17/20 level till date, Still awaiting how Omilana will perform at the U20 level.. The rest we have been getting both the back up goalies have been trash…!

AkinDS:
Was this the Anderline girl?

Nop… Bakare Shukurat

I wanted to ask how Christiana Obia got the Call Up as he 3rd Goalkeeper for the SuperFalcons qualifying game again Cape Verde?

The last time she played was in Abuja during the Flying Officers Cup in October… The short goalie among them have been Edo Queens First choice goalkeeper from the Flying Officers Cup down to the Besty Cup and the League Proper…

Who do us this Thing sef??🥱

Falconet game on against Tanzania

I see same Goalkeeping Errors Cost us both goals conceded against Tanzania 🇹🇿 U20… The team isn’t bad though but really need to look into the Goalkeeping department…



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCkI0RDbj-I?feature=shared

At some point in Africa Cameroon international Raissa Feudjio was the Best Central Defensive Midfielder… She was so robust and clean with her tackles…

I see the similarities between her and Deborah Abeodun… I remembered 2014, 2016, 2018 WAFCON and 2019 World Cup, Raissa was the Engine room of the Cameroonian midfield..

What a Season for the Combative Young Midfielder.. Deborah Abeodun

Played 22games, Scoring 6goals with 3 assists

Nantes Feminine Center Back Maureen Umeughochukwu

BascoVanVeli:
I think the brother that did the Super Falcons last match will do this one.

😂😂😂 Basco we No gree, na you go run this one

20-year-old Young POTYN Nesryne El Chad, who started three of Morocco’s four World Cup matches this summer, has torn her ACL against Bordeaux this weekend. 🇲🇦🤍

🚨How Mary Earps distinguished herself from rest and how she’s been able to cement her status as the number one goalie in the world.

..𝗣𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹.🌪

Mary Earps has won the 2023 BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year award, beating out Friodlina Rolfö, Aitana Bonmatí, Alex Popp, & Sam Kerr 🧤🌟 https:///TsEDyj2GAR


She is a very goalkeeper but wining this ward ahead of Aitana Bonmati is crazy.

isan:
Their first test , Namibia can rattle them a bit

Yeah should give them a little run for their money not expecting their usual huge scoreline except Namibia didn’t come to the Party…
Maybe (3) - (0) aggregate in favour of Ghana

Listen to Coach Justin Speak 🗣️ about the WAFCON Qualifying Game against Cape Verde!

Super Falcons Interim Manager Justin Madugu also responded to the question asked about the absence of Ashleighplumptre from the National team.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hwIwknP9CD4?si=kPJ-AroARi4Zunh-

🤩Ghana BlackQueens Squad for the Namibia Job 👊🏾
, WAFCON 2024

Super Falcons/Cape Verde :
SuperFalcons had their first official training today , more players are being expected tonight and tomorrow says Coach Justin Justine P Madugu.
We have had recovery sessions and complimented it with some light trainings at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja on Monday.

lovewins:
Again, these people are not okay. Barbara Banda wasn't even at WAFCON and she didn't have a great year all things considered. Cameroon didn't even qualify for the world cup and were knocked out of the WAFCON by Nigeria. Ajara also didn't have a great season. The most ridiculous in my opinion is Andile Dlamini who was benched all through WAFCON and also reportedly struggled in the South African league. How is she even remotely on the list?

These people are not okay.

Looking at it from another angle, she have got the WAFCON Trophy, Champions League trophy and the individual awards she has won like the two goalkeeper of the tournament award from WAFCON and CAF Champions League..

isan:
No kudananji ? That's crazy, i can still manage Ajibade omission but removing kudananji is crazy

Manage Ajibade omission like how?? She was among the top scorer at the last WAFCON, last season at Atletico she won one trophy with them and scored 10goals and 3 assists for her Club.. and had a good performance at the World Cup..

How did Ajara perform better than her to be there?