Super Falcons defender, Ashley Plumptre is confident Nigeria will rise to the challenge as they prepare to face Zambia in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
In an exclusive interview with Brila.net, the Leicester City-born defender acknowledged the team’s modest goal return so far in the tournament, but expressed faith in the squad’s defense, creative build-up, and team depth.
“We are creating chances and not conceding goals” – Ashleigh Plumptre
“Yeah, I think, sure we haven’t scored as many goals as certain other teams, but I think we are creating chances and I think understanding that in tournament football, like I said, we’ve played three games in the space of a week.”
Speaking on the intensity and frequency of matches, Plumptre stated that the team has done well to rotate the squad and maintain physical balance.
“I think a positive for us is that like a lot of people have had the opportunity to play.”
”I think now we have a bit more time between the game we played and then playing Zambia, so we have the time on the training field to be able to work more on the connections between certain players and just getting that fluidity.”
“We have to prepare for Zambia as a whole team” – Ashleigh Plumptre
The former Leicester City and current Al-Ittihad star noted Zambia’s attacking potential but cautioned against focusing solely on individual talents, calling for a collective tactical approach.
“Obviously, we know that Zambia have good attacking threats, but I said previously that we have to prepare for Zambia as a whole team rather than focusing on just a couple of individuals.”
“Obviously, we have to appreciate and respect their talent, but even though there’s like two individuals on the team that have scored, I think all of their goals, if you focus too much on them, then it could actually give the opportunity for other players to get a look in on goals.”
“So we’ll prepare for Zambia as a team, see like what’s their style of play, what they like to do and how to try and nullify the threats that they’ll bring to us.“
Defensive Stability Key
So far in the tournament, the Super Falcons have maintained a solid defensive record, with Plumptre and fellow defenders ensuring Nigeria conceded no goal in the group stage.
Her confidence stems from the squad’s ability to stay compact and focused in big games, especially against a Zambian side that finished top of Group B and scored multiple goals along the way.
Quarterfinal Clash Loading…
Nigeria will take on Zambia in Casablanca for a place in the semi-finals.
The Super Falcons are aiming to win a record-extending 12th WAFCON title, while Zambia continues its rise in African women’s football under head coach Nora Hauptle.
With players like Asisat Oshoala, Chiamaka Nnadozie, and Plumptre herself leading from the back, Nigeria hopes to assert its dominance against a well-organized Copper Queens side.
