Super Falcons Defender Plumptre Joins Fight Against Sports Trafficking

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has commenced advocacy against the trafficking of athletes in Africa through an ambassadorial role with Mission 89, a global research and advocacy organisation dedicated to combating child trafficking in sports and athlete protection.

The Al-Ittihad Ladies defender announced her partnership with the organisation on Thursday, stating her commitment to helping young athletes avoid exploitation on their path to becoming professionals.

“I truly believe that sport holds a power rooted in aspiration, belief and discipline. You’ll find many athletes will resonate with these words and they are characteristics that we admire in those who strive for something for themselves, their families and their communities,” the defender wrote on X.

“However, it’s easy for us to overlook what that journey can look like for someone who is merely trying to fulfil their athletic potential. Let’s educate ourselves on the unspoken truths of sports trafficking and the risks that so many are subjected to if we choose to overlook it.”

The 26-year-old switched her nationality to Nigeria in January 2022 after representing England at the youth level.

Plumptre debuted on a winning note for Nigeria as the Falcons beat the Ivory Coast’s Lady Elephants 2-0 in the first of their final qualifier for the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, before making the final squad to the tournament in Morocco.

She was also a part of the team’s incredible run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

She however missed what would have been her third major outing with Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics, no thanks to a six-month injury which didn’t see her return to the squad until November 2024 during the friendly match against France.

The former Leicester City Women’s player has also made significant progress in her club career, moving to Al-Ittihad in Saudi, where she recently extended her stay till 2027.

She joined Al-Ittihad in the summer of 2023 after her contract with Leicester City Women expired. Since then, she has been a standout performer in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, quickly rising to become team captain.

Her impact was immediate, highlighted by a debut hat-trick in a 3-0 win over Eastern Flame. This season, Plumptre has made 10 appearances, starting eight, and has contributed two goals, an assist, and helping them keep five clean sheets.