I thought it was a torrid night for Ashleigh Plumptre on her return to the team against France the other night.
I wasn't surprised she played centre back for the first time for the Super Falcons in a long time: Madugu endeavours to play players in their traditional position unlike Waldrum.
But, did it work?
That left part of the defence was clearly a weak link for Nigeria throughout the game leading to both goals scored and one that was disallowed.
Was it all Plumptre fault?
In the world cup, Plumptre had Halimat Ayinde to help mask her (Plumptre) lack of pace and inadequate response timing.
Against France, Rafiat Imuran struggled. She couldn't perform her role well let alone support Plumptre which left both of them badly exposed.
The absence of ubiquitous hard-as-nails Deborah Abiodun also compounded the problem.
Moving forward, wherever Ashleigh Plumptre is played, we need versatile defenders around her to help mop up threats and offer additional layers of support.
Or else Plumptre will end up being a liability. The fact she is a White Nigerian shouldn't shield her from criticism.
Σχόλια