Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre says her switch from England to Nigeria was a ‘life decision’

Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre is gearing up to face her birth country at the ongoing World Cup two years after swapping her allegiance from England to Nigeria.

The defender, who qualifies for Nigeria through her paternal grandfather, made appearances for England Under 17s, Under 19s, and Under 23s before declaring for the Africans in 2021.

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Speaking about her heritage, Plumptre told the BBC: ‘It’s always been an assumption that I’m white.’ And the 25-year-old said she feels she has a responsibility to represent the mixed-race community.

‘People have different reasons for wanting to play for a different country,’ she said. ‘I grew up playing for England, but it was more of a life decision than a football decision.

‘I felt I had a responsibility to try to play for Nigeria, if I could. ‘That just came from experiences within my family. I used to coach an Under 12s team with mixed heritage girls and feel I have a responsibility to learn about my heritage.

‘A lot of people think, “Oh, you’re switching so you can play international football”. It’s not like that at all. I knew exactly what I wanted and that came from understanding who I am.’