Plumptre Helps Nigeria Reach AWCON – Detailing Foxes International Involvement
- Ashleigh Plumptre helps Nigeria qualify for AWCON on debut
- Sophie Howard’s Scotland keep two clean sheets in the Pinatar Cup
- Shannon O’Brien made her England U23s bow alongside Molly Pike
- Elysia Boddy scored on her England U19s debut, while Freya Gregory also netted
- Missy Goodwin featured for the Young Lionesses
Ashleigh Plumptre made her senior international debut for Nigeria in their 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations Play-Off against Ivory Coast, playing 90 minutes of both legs as the Super Falcons recorded a 3-0 aggregate victory to book their place in the flagship continental competition.
The Foxes defender started the first fixture at Abuja National Stadium last Friday, playing a starring role to help keep a clean sheet and take a healthy 2-0 advantage into Wednesday’s second tie thanks to a brace from Ifeoma Onumonu. Nigeria finished the job at Stade Robert Champroux in Abidjan courtesy of Esther Okoronkwo's 87th minute strike.
Sophie Howard was also in senior international action. The Leicester defender played all three of Scotland’s Pinatar Cup matches, maintaining two shutouts against Slovakia and Hungary to finish the mini tournament on a high after defeat to Wales in the quarter-final.
Scotland took the lead at Pinatar Arena Football Arena via Lana Clelland’s opener but a Jess Fishlock double, followed by Natasha Harding’s goal, secured victory for the Red Dragons, who included Leicester loanee Esther Morgan in their squad, though the defender was ruled out through injury.
Abi Harrison and Martha Thomas then netted to ensure Scotland overcame Slovakia on Saturday, followed by a goalless draw with Hungary, though the Scots triumphed 3-1 on penalties to finish in fifth place. Howard played 90 minutes in all three fixtures.
Elsewhere, Shannon O’Brien made her international bow for England Under-23s, featuring from the bench in two friendly fixtures against France. The Young Lionesses were beaten 3-2 at Stade Pole de Normandie last Thursday, despite goals from Ebony Salmon and Missy Bo Kearns.
After being named a substitute for the opening game, Molly Pike started in the 1-1 draw at Stade Louis Bielman on Sunday, when Salmon was on target once more.
There was further Foxes involvement at Under-19s level, with loanee Freya Gregory, Missy Goodwin and Elysia Boddy all part of Gemma Davies’ Development Phase Squad for the Marbella International tournament.
Boddy, a January signing from Middlesbrough, scored on her international debut, netting just three minutes into the second half to double the Young Lionesses’ advantage following Grace Clinton’s opener. Gregory also emerged from the bench to add two further goals and complete a comprehensive 4-0 victory over Finland at Estadio Municipal Ciudad de La Línea last Thursday.
Facing Denmark five days later, it took Gregory just five minutes to make an impact after being named in the starting line-up. Her cross was met by Emily Murphy, who headed into the bottom corner to break the deadlock.
Goodwin was also handed a start at Marbella Football Center, playing 62 minutes before being replaced by Aggie Beever-Jones, who doubled their lead six minutes later. Loanee Gregory played 70 minutes of the 2-0 success, meanwhile.