Ashleigh Plumptre: UK-Born Star Decries Poor Treatment of Super Falcons in Morocco: “We Had No Gym”

Ashleigh Plumptre: UK-Born Star Decries Poor Treatment of Super Falcons in Morocco: “We Had No Gym”

  • Ashleigh Plumptre has disclosed the Super Falcons lacked a gym and pool during their 2024 WAFCON campaign in Morocco
  • Players endured cramped hotel rooms and fatigue, relying on a public gym for recovery late in the tournament
  • Despite poor conditions, Nigeria won a record 10th WAFCON title, earning national honours and cash rewards on their return

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has revealed the challenging conditions the Nigerian women’s national team faced during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign in Morocco.

Despite winning their record-extending 10th WAFCON title with an entertaining 3-2 comeback victory against the host nation, Plumptre disclosed that the players endured poor accommodation and a lack of basic facilities, which left many of them physically drained.

Ashleigh Plumptre, Nigeria, Super Falcons, WAFCON, Morocco
Ashleigh Plumptre has decried the poor treatment suffered by the Super Falcons at the WAFCON in Morocco. Photo by Elsa
Source: Getty Images

Speaking in an interview with Lagos Talks 91.3 FM, the UK-born defender lamented that the team’s hotel in Casablanca, where they spent most of the tournament, had no gym or pool for recovery.

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“For me and for some of the other girls, we were tired towards the end because we were put in a hotel in Morocco that didn’t have a gym. Towards the end of the tournament, we were taken to a public gym to be able to use,” she said.

Plumptre decries poor treatment in Morocco

According to Plumptre, the conditions took a toll on the players’ performance and preparation during the continental competition, per Punch.

The UK-born defender noted that, unlike other major tournaments, the Super Falcons lacked access to proper recovery amenities, which are vital for maintaining peak fitness in high-intensity games.

The team was initially lodged in a hotel with a small gym before the tournament began, but once the main competition started, they were moved to a smaller hotel without the needed facilities.

“We didn’t have a gym or a pool or anything like that in our hotel. It was like one of those little hotels in the city,” she said.

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Plumptre also recounted how cramped the rooms were, with players initially sharing two to a room.

“If myself and my roommate were to open our suitcases, we wouldn’t have been able to move,” she revealed.

Super Falcons captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, demanded better conditions, even telling teammates not to unpack upon arrival. Eventually, management allowed each player to have a room to herself, which eased the discomfort slightly.

Journalist calls for better treatment for Super Falcons

Speaking to Legit.ng, Nigerian football expert Toritseju Williams backed Ashleigh Plumptre’s criticism of the poor treatment the Super Falcons endured during WAFCON, stressing the need for urgent reform.

“Ashleigh’s concerns are valid,” Williams said.
“The Super Falcons have carried Nigerian football on their backs for decades, yet they continue to face disrespect, poor planning, and inadequate support.
"If we want to keep our best talents and compete globally, the NFF must start treating the women’s team with the same seriousness and dignity given to the men’s side.”

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Super Falcons win despite tough challenges

Despite the difficulties, the Super Falcons were able to secure the WAFCON through resilience and determination. After returning to Nigeria, the team was lavishly rewarded for their success.

Ashleigh Plumptre, Nigeria, Super Falcons, WAFCON, Morocco
The Super Falcons claimed their record 10th WAFCON title and were handsomely rewarded by President Bola Tinubu. Photo credit: CAF Women
Source: Twitter

Each player received $100,000, a national honour, and a residential apartment from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The team was also gifted ₦150 million by MTN during a celebratory event in Lagos, per Daily Trust.

While the rewards recognised the team’s exceptional achievement, Plumptre’s revelations have sparked conversations about the need for better infrastructure and support for women’s football in Africa.

Plumptre delighted to meet Okocha

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Plumptre was visibly excited after meeting her football idol and Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha.

The impressive defender, who was part of the team that won the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, was spotted with the mercurial midfielder, as she described it as a dream come true.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu earned his Bachelor's degree in Agriculture from the University of Port Harcourt in 2016. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng

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