Plumptre: I show them my dad’s picture when teammates question my Nigerian roots

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has revealed that some of her national teammates initially doubted her Nigerian heritage when she joined the squad in 2021.

Born in Leicester, England, Plumptre had represented England at youth level before switching allegiance to Nigeria, courtesy of her paternal grandfather.

FIFA approved her nationality change ahead of the 2021 Aisha Buhari Cup, where she joined the team for a training camp in Austria.

Speaking to Lagos Talks 91.3 FM, Plumptre said her background raised questions among teammates during her first outing with the Super Falcons.

“Everybody didn’t really know what to expect from me at first,” she said. “They were obviously questioning like, ‘So, how are you Nigerian?’”

To clear doubts, the Saudi Pro League-based star simply shows a picture of her father.

“Normally when I get that question, I just show them a picture of my dad, and they’re like, ‘Oh, okay,’” she added.

Plumptre has since become a key part of the team, featuring in all but one match at the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.