Paris 2024: Contrasting fortunes for Plumptre and Oshoala as Super Falcons settle in Sevilla
Paris 2024: Contrasting fortunes for Plumptre and Oshoala as Super Falcons settle in Sevilla
As Super Falcons begins preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Sevilla, Spain it is a time of sober reflection for defender Ashleigh Plumptre who will miss the games because of fitness concerns.
Elsewhere in the United States, Asisat Oshoala was given her befitting reception by the club before she joined her colleagues in Sevilla.
Plumptre, who was instrumental in Nigeria’s qualification for the Olympics by defeating teams like Cape Verde, Cameroon, and South Africa, was left out of the 18-player squad selected by coach Randy Waldrum.
Her absence is due to fitness concerns following an injury she sustained while playing for her club, Al Ittihad, in March.
Despite undergoing surgery in April and working hard on her recovery, Plumptre has not regained full fitness in time for the Olympics.
Expressing her feelings on X, she said, “Timings haven’t aligned to be in contention for the Olympic roster – a dream I’ve held since I can remember.”
She added, “Since having my surgery, I’ve worked in every area of my life to be in the best position to recover, but one thing I’ve learned is how to listen to my body!”
Plumptre also expressed pride and excitement for her teammates, saying,
“While on a personal note, it’s a shame to miss out, I cannot put into words my excitement and pride in knowing I’ll be watching my @NGSuper_Falcons girls representing this flag on the Olympic stage. Go well, girls! Naija to the world!”
And the National Women’s Soccer League side, Bay Football Club, sent off their players called by their national teams for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
After their match against Washington Spirit, Oshoala and two others who will represent their country in France, were given gifts by the club as they were sent off to the Paris 2024 Olympics. They were also given a guard of honour by their teammates who cheered them on, wishing them the best.
Asisat was a core part of Randy Waldrum’s team, featuring in the qualifiers and helping the Super Falcons secure an Olympic spot for the first time in sixteen years.
Nigeria are a part of Group C with Spain, Japan,
and Brazil. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage in addition to the two best third-place teams. The Super Falcons open group play against Brazil on July 25 before taking on Spain on July. They’ll wrap up the group stage against Japan on July 31.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria trained for the first time in Sevilla on Sunday as they start preparations for the 2024 Olympic Games after landing in Spain for a two-week training tour on Friday with the invited players expected to join up in camp this week.
All the 18 invited players are expected to hit camp this week.
