WAFCON 2022: Waldrum issues update on Ashleigh Plumptre’s injury

Super Falcons coach Randy Waldrum has revealed that Leicester City defender Ashleigh Plumptre could return to action in Nigeria’s final group game against Burundi.

Plumptre suffered a knock in Nigeria’s opening day loss to South Africa. The injury ensured that she did not feature in the matchday squad in the Super Falcons’ 2-0 victory against Botswana.

Before the game against the Mares, the 24-year-old was training separately to ensure that she did not aggravate the injury.

However, according to reports from OgaNla media on Saturday, the Leicester City defender has returned to full training with the team.

Ahead of the final group game against Burundi, Waldrum has confirmed that Plumptre could return to action against the Swallows.

“Plumptre could have played the last game if we felt we needed her to get the result,” Waldrum said as per OgaNla media.

“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,” Waldrum said.

The Super Falcons take on Burundi- the weeping girls of the group after two games. Nigeria are overwhelming champions to nick all three points.

Plumptre may not start the game, but she could be introduced as a substitute so she can regain fitness.