AFCON 2025
Ashleigh Plumptre has opened up about her decision to play for Nigeria, her father’s homeland, at the senior level, choosing the Super Falcons over England.
Having represented England at the U15, U17, U19, and U23 levels, Plumptre debuted for Nigeria in February 2022 and competed at the 2023 World Cup.
In her own words, Plumptre explained that switching to Nigeria was not a fallback but a meaningful embrace of her identity and a deeper purpose.
“I enjoyed the very valuable time playing with England in the youth age groups, but what pushed me to play for Nigeria was asking myself the question: what do I want to do with football?” she said.
“This happened during the COVID era, when I spent more time with my sister. And she spoke about wanting to know about our heritage.
“So it was more of a journey for me to learn more about our culture based on her provoking that in me because of her interest. And what representing Nigeria means to me is beyond words.”
Plumptre was a key member of the Nigerian women’s national team that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
She was awarded the national honour Officer of the Order of the Niger, along with a $100,000 prize and a three-bedroom apartment in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Estate.
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