Ashleigh Plumptre: From England’s pride to Nigeria’s jewel in the Super Falcons’ World Cup squad

Ashleigh Plumptre, a shining star with a dual heritage, will grace the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, cheered on by her Nigerian and English family.

From representing England at various youth levels to donning Nigeria's national team jersey, Plumptre's remarkable journey exemplifies her unwavering ambition and deep-rooted quest to explore her heritage.

From a tender age, Plumptre showcased her exceptional skills on the pitch, representing England in the under-15, under-17, under-19, and under-23 categories.

Her impressive contributions during the 2014 and 2015 UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship established her as a forward or attacking midfielder of immense promise.

With an awe-inspiring record of 30 appearances and ten goals at the youth level, Plumptre seemed destined for a future with the esteemed England national women's team.

However, in a momentous twist in 2021, Plumptre revealed her intention to play for Nigeria, her paternal grandfather's birthplace.

The deep-seated connection to her Nigerian roots, stemming from her father's mixed Nigerian-English heritage and her grandad's proud origins in Lagos, fueled her desire to reconnect with her Nigerian lineage.

Speaking candidly about her motivation, Plumptre shared, “With Nigeria, I wanted to uncover more of my heritage that I hadn't delved into before because my dad is half-Nigerian and half-English.

“My grandad was born in Lagos. But I've been brought up very British, so I want to join the Nigerian team where I got to experience food like this, experience more of the culture, I guess.”

Plumptre's remarks underscored the evolving significance of football in her life, transcending mere competition.

Her decision to represent Nigeria surpassed personal ambitions, propelled by an earnest desire to immerse herself fully in the Nigerian culture, echoed by her sister, who also shares Nigerian heritage.

In July 2021, Plumptre made an unofficial debut for Nigeria, commanding the field as she started in a triumphant 1-0 friendly victory over Slovenian 1 SŽNL club Olimpija Ljubljana.

Later that year, in a momentous milestone for her international career, FIFA officially cleared her to represent Nigeria, paving the way for her official debut on February 18, 2022.

She showcased her versatility during the 2022 Africa Women's Cup of Nations qualification, playing roles as diverse as center-back, left-back, and even center-midfield.

Plumptre's graceful ball-playing style and seamless adaptability quickly endeared her to fans, making her a beloved figure within the Super Falcons squad.

Her prowess extended beyond the pitch as she wholeheartedly embraced Nigerian cuisine and culture. Notably, she developed a particular fondness for ‘moi-moi‘ – a popular spicy steamed bean delicacy. 

Now, as Plumptre sets her sights on the forthcoming World Cup, her inclusion injects a fresh dynamic into the immensely talented Super Falcons squad.

The 25-year-old will aim to contribute to the team's efforts to reach new heights in Australia and New Zealand. 

Plumptre's transformative journey from Leicester to Nigeria stands as a living testament to the power of sports in uniting diverse cultures and fostering global unity on the grandest stage.