Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre has opened up about her decision to extend her contract with Al Ittihad Ladies, describing the move as a reflection of how much she enjoys her time in Saudi Arabia and her belief in the club’s long-term project.
The 27-year-old Nigeria international, who joined Al-Ittihad from Leicester City in 2023, spoke in depth about her experience in Saudi Arabia, her ambitions with the Jeddah-based club, and the emotional milestone of scoring her first-ever goal for Nigeria during the WAFCON qualifiers in Abeokuta.
Plumptre stated that her decision to stay was driven by her deep connection to the club and its people despite rejecting the move at first and that her commitment extends beyond football but about contributing to something meaningful and sustainable.
Why I Extended my Contract” – Ashleigh Plumptre Reveals
Plumptre, who has become one of the most respected figures in the Saudi Women’s Premier League (SWPL), described her time at Al-Ittihad as deeply fulfilling both on and off the pitch.
“It’s been incredible. I mean the fact that I extended just shows how much I enjoy my time here,” she said.
“I joined here knowing it was a project, something I’m passionate about because I care about the people and the place that I’m at.”
“I want to work alongside players, staff, and management to bring sustainable success.”
The Nigerian defender, who holds a degree in Human Biology, said she values the club’s structure and professionalism, even comparing it favourably to established European teams.
“There’s actually a level of professionalism here that I think a lot of clubs in other leagues, even in Europe, could probably learn from,” Plumptre added.
“It’s nice to be seen as more than a footballer here, I’m treated like a human being, and I want to give back to the club. Hopefully, when I do leave, I leave it in a better place.”
“Al Ittihad’s Professionalism Sets a Standard” – Ashleigh Plumptre
The Nigerian international lauded Al Ittihad’s professionalism, stating that the Saudi side operates at a level some long-established European clubs could learn from.
“When you say, why would I come here? I mean, there’s actually a level of professionalism here that I think a lot of clubs in other leagues that have been established for a while, even in Europe, could probably learn from.”
Plumptre highlighted how the club’s approach to player welfare and holistic support made her feel valued beyond the pitch.
“I always say it’s nice to be seen more than a footballer. Like, I was very much treated just like a human being here.”
“So I feel like I want to give back to the club and hopefully, leave when I do leave here at some point, leave it in a better place.”
Plumptre also addressed the public reaction to her move to Saudi Arabia, acknowledging that it was met with controversy.
She expressed gratitude to her close friend and England international Chloe Kelly, who publicly supported her decision.
“To be honest, Chloe was one of the few that when I first made this move to Saudi, because it was, you know, controversial to many people.”
“She was one of the ones that voiced publicly that she was in support of me. So, I mean, she’s always been one of my closest friends in football since we were kids, so that meant a lot.”
Despite their busy careers, the pair remain close and continue to support each other.
“We don’t even speak that much necessarily anymore, but we’ve always been big supporters of one another in football.”
Why I Accepted Saudi Offer After Rejecting – Ashleigh Plumptre
Speaking with BBC Sport, Plumptre revealed that when the offer first came from Al-Ittihad, she was skeptical.
“I spoke to some teams in the UK, US, and Europe, then Dad said there was a team in Saudi Arabia interested in me. I was shocked.”
“My initial reaction was ‘no’, but I wanted to give them a chance.”
After a long conversation with Al-Ittihad’s coach and management, she felt a strong connection.
“We barely even spoke about football, it was about ourselves and what we were passionate about.”
“I’m someone who goes off feeling and intuition. I visited Saudi for two days and really liked it. When I left, I thought, ‘This is where I want to be.’”
“Life here feels like a peace bubble” – Plumptre
Now living in Jeddah, Plumptre says she feels safer and calmer in Saudi Arabia than she ever did in the UK.
“I know players and friends who genuinely feel safer here and calmer than in the UK. A friend of mine and I described it as being like a peace bubble,” she said.
“In the UK, I’d never leave my car out with the keys in. Here, I have no problem. Naturally, every woman has a level of fear walking at night, but here, I don’t have to keep checking my shoulder.”
Plumptre acknowledged that while Saudi Arabia still has cultural challenges, her personal experience has been overwhelmingly positive.
“Men are encouraged to treat women a certain way, and there are consequences if they don’t. I know this is just my perspective, but with the safety I feel, I can’t agree with some of the Western views about this place.”
“I want to leave a legacy” – Plumptre
For Plumptre, her mission at Al-Ittihad extends beyond football — it’s about impact and representation.
“I joined this project because I care about helping build something that lasts.”
“When I eventually leave, I want to know that I’ve left it in a better place, for the players, for the fans, and for women’s football here.”
Despite the progress, Plumptre admitted that the Saudi Women’s Premier League still faces challenges, including low attendance and uneven standards.
“The standard is not what I’m used to in the WSL or at international level, and I worried how that would impact my development,” she admitted.
“One of my teammates, Francisca Ordega, said in Saudi we must do more. The pace is not as fast, so you must think differently and push yourself harder. There’s more responsibility on you.”
She added that while facilities are impressive, more investment is needed to match the men’s setup.
“Al-Ittihad is not just a football club, they have teams in other sports. They’ve adapted quickly since women’s football arrived in 2023, but the men still get the best facilities.”
“That’s something we’re working toward changing.”
A dream fulfilled in Abeokuta
Plumptre’s passion for Nigeria was on full display in Abeokuta, where she scored her first goal for the Super Falcons in a 1–1 draw against Benin Republic.
The result of the double-header match secured Nigeria’s qualification for the 2026 WAFCON in Morocco.
After the match, she celebrated wildly, jumping and hugging teammates in pure joy. On social media, she wrote:
“I’ve dreamed of this moment since I was a kid, scoring for my country. To finally see it happen in Abeokuta, in front of our amazing fans, is a feeling I’ll never forget.”
“Proud, thankful, and motivated to keep giving everything for the badge.”
