Photos: Super Falcons defender eyes 2024 Olympic return on recovery path

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has begun her journey to recovery as the Nigerian national team gears up for their upcoming 2024 Olympic campaign, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ahead of the Super Falcons’ Olympic qualifiers final round against South Africa’s Banyana Banyana, the Al Ittihad player was sidelined from the squad due to an injury.

Following this setback, the 25-year-old defender took to her social media page to announce that she had undergone successful surgery on her right foot and is now focusing on a full recovery.

“Surgery done. Thank you to everyone at Al-Ittihad and to Dr. Pieter D’Hooge for supporting me through my first surgery. It’s been a long time coming trying to get answers, but I’m so grateful to now be at this stage. To my Super Falcons teammates and Nigerian fans, thank you for your patience and understanding when I’ve not been able to be with you. I can honestly say I have fought as hard and for as long as I can with this pain. I can’t wait to be back healthy with you all,” she previously shared on her social media page.

In recent days, the former Leicester City women’s player has shared photos of her taking her first steps toward recovery, as she was spotted hitting the gym and engaging in exercises.

See the photos here:

While the Nigerian women’s team has yet to provide information on the squad selection for the tournament, the defender is making strides in her early recovery and could potentially be available to support the team during the competition.