Nigeria’s national women’s football team, the Super Falcons, are facing a setback ahead of their 2024 Olympic Games qualifier against South Africa. Centre-back Ashleigh Plumptre has been ruled out of the crucial match due to injury, leaving a gap in the team’s defense.

In a swift move, Jumoke Alani has been called up as a replacement for Plumptre, who plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia. This unexpected change means head coach Randy Waldrum will have to reshuffle his defense, as two other players, Oluwatosin Demehin and Rofiat Imuran, are also sidelined with injuries.

With Plumptre out of the lineup, Osinachi Ohale now stands as the only experienced centre-back in the team. The Super Falcons are set to open camp for the qualifiers on Sunday, with hopes of securing a spot in the prestigious Olympic Games.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Nigeria’s women’s football team prepares to face off against South Africa in a high-stakes showdown.