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Ashleigh Plumptre Secures New Two-Year Al-Ittihad Deal

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Ashleigh Plumptre

Ashleigh Plumptre Secures New Two-Year Al-Ittihad Deal, extending her stay until 2028 while continuing recovery from a foot injury

Ashleigh Plumptre, defender for the Super Falcons of Nigeria and Al-Ittihad Ladies, has signed a new two-year contract with the Saudi Women’s Premier League club, extending her stay until 2028.

Also read: CAF Rejects False AFCON 2027 Format Change Reports

The contract renewal comes as the 28-year-old continues her rehabilitation from a foot injury that has kept her out of action since March.

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Despite her prolonged absence, Al-Ittihad have reaffirmed their confidence in the experienced defender by securing her long-term future at the club.

The agreement marks another important milestone in the defender’s career after she joined the Saudi side on a free transfer in September 2023 following the expiration of her contract with Leicester City.

Since arriving at Al-Ittihad, Plumptre has become one of the club’s standout performers.

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The versatile defender has contributed 15 goals and 19 assists in 41 appearances, underlining her influence at both ends of the pitch.

A significant secondary development is that the contract extension comes while Plumptre is still sidelined with injury.

The club’s decision to renew her deal during her recovery reflects its confidence in her ability to return to full fitness and continue playing a leading role in the squad.

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The injury also ruled Plumptre out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Falcons opting to prioritise her long-term recovery rather than risk an early return to competitive action.

Before her injury setback, Plumptre remained a key figure for Nigeria and was part of the Super Falcons squad that captured a record-extending 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations title in 2024 after a memorable comeback victory over hosts Morocco.

Her new contract provides stability for both player and club as Al-Ittihad continue to strengthen their ambitions in the rapidly growing Saudi Women’s Premier League.

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Also read: CAF Rejects False AFCON 2027 Format Change Reports

For Plumptre, the extension also offers additional time to complete her recovery before returning to domestic competition and challenging for a place in future Super Falcons squads.

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Liverpool Releases Moving Biography Honouring Diogo Jota

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Liverpool Diogo Jota biography, Forever in Our Hearts, celebrates the late forward’s life, career and legacy, with profits funding grassroots football

Liverpool Football Club have released a new biography celebrating the life and legacy of former forward Diogo Jota, with all profits from the book set to support a grassroots football programme being established in his name through the LFC Foundation.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

Titled ‘Forever in Our Hearts’, the biography was written by Portuguese author and former professional footballer José Delgado and published by Reach Sport. Liverpool announced the release on Thursday, October 22, 2026, through a post on the club’s official X account.

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The book traces Jota’s journey from his early years in Portugal to his rise as one of his generation’s respected forwards and a much-loved member of the Liverpool football family.

Drawing on interviews with family members, friends, teammates and coaches, the biography offers a personal account of the footballer’s character, professional achievements and relationships beyond the pitch.

Contributors include Jota’s wife, Rute, his parents, Isabel and Joaquim, and former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, alongside more than 90 other people who knew him throughout his life and career.

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Their recollections highlight Jota’s determination, humility and commitment to football, while exploring the personal qualities that earned him affection among teammates, supporters and colleagues.

The biography also celebrates the close bond between Jota and his brother, André Silva, reflecting on the impact both men had on those around them and the wider football community.

Jota enjoyed significant success during his career, winning the Premier League with Liverpool and the UEFA Nations League with Portugal.

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His performances, work ethic and contribution to the teams he represented helped establish his reputation in European football.

However, ‘Forever in Our Hearts’ also confronts the tragedy of July 2025, when Jota and André died, leaving family members, friends, teammates and supporters mourning their loss.

Delgado said the project began as an effort to preserve Jota’s memory during a period of profound sadness, with a commitment to presenting an honest and respectful account of the lives of both brothers.

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“My commitment throughout was to tell his story with care, honesty and respect for Diogo, André, and the family and friends who loved them,” Delgado said.

The author added that the willingness of those closest to the brothers to share their memories had helped capture their personalities and the depth of affection they inspired.

Reflecting on Jota’s relationship with Liverpool, Delgado said the accounts gathered during his research revealed qualities extending beyond his footballing ability, including humility, dedication and personal character.

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He expressed hope that the biography would provide a lasting tribute while inspiring future generations of footballers.

The book is available through official Liverpool FC stores and online, with proceeds directed towards the grassroots football programme being developed in Jota’s name through the LFC Foundation.

The release forms part of Liverpool’s continuing efforts to honour the forward and his brother. Earlier in 2026, the club unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield, giving supporters a dedicated place to remember the brothers and reflect on their legacy.

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Through the biography and the planned community football initiative, Liverpool is seeking to ensure that Jota’s influence endures beyond his playing career, helping create opportunities for young people to participate in the sport he loved.

Also read: PRP Rejects Bauchi’s Proposed N298bn Loan

The project combines remembrance with a practical commitment to grassroots development, offering a way for Jota’s passion for football to continue benefiting future generations.

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