Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre has disclosed that the need to protect her heritage prompted her to switch allegiance to Nigeria.
Plumptre was born in England and has represented England at under-15, under-17, under-19 and under-23 levels, including at two tournaments: the 2014 and 2015 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship.
However, the 23-year-old was cleared by FIFA to represent Nigeria in January, and she had a dream debut for the nine-time African champions when she featured against Cote D’Ivoire in the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifier in Abuja last month.
In an interview with Channels TV, the Leicester City defender stated that her family was important in her decision and that she has no regret choosing Nigeria over England.
“As much as I love playing football, I like to play for a purpose and a reason. I know the impact I can have by delving into my heritage more and representing the people I am always familiar with.
“As much as it is about football, it’s also about what I’m passionate about and what I can bring as a person. I am a quite smiling person, but when it comes to being on the pitch, I bring out my physical side. I guess that’s my Nigerian side,” she said.
