Ashleigh Plumptre has issued a measured warning to her Nigeria teammates, stressing the need for improvement in both defence and attack despite the team’s convincing 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their opening match of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), Footynaija.com reports.
The former Leicester City defender played a key role in the win at Stade El Arbi Zaouli in Casablanca, where the Super Falcons produced a dominant performance to kick off their campaign.
Goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo secured a result that sees Nigeria top Group B.
Plumptre, now plying her trade with Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, welcomed the result but remained grounded, highlighting areas where the team must sharpen up.
“I feel really happy,” Plumptre told Ademola Victor TV.
“Obviously, it’s the first game of the tournament, and there are always a lot of nerves and excitement going into it. To come away with three goals and a clean sheet is a really nice way to start.”
Looking ahead, she added:
“We’ll take this as a good foundation going into the next game. We’ll analyze what we did well and what we need to improve on. I think both in attack and defense we could have maintained an even higher standard, but for sure, we’re happy to have secured the three points.”
The 27-year-old also paid tribute to Nigerian fans:
“Even now, I still feel the love from all the Nigerian fans. My message to them is to keep supporting us — we’ll give everything to bring success to the team.”
The Super Falcons are aiming to clinch a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, with their “Mission X” campaign now off to a flying start.