Ashleigh Plumptre is one name that is currently on everyone’s lips. The Super Falcons defender has slowly become a fan favourite warming her way into the hearts of many due to her performance at the ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup.
1. She was born Ashleigh Meagan Plumptre on May 8, 1998, in Leicester, United Kingdom.
2. She was born to a Nigerian father and a British mother. Her paternal grandfather, Harry Dotun Plumptre was born in Nigeria.
3. She began playing football at age 4 when she joined Asfordby Amateurs. At age 8, she joined the Leicester City Centre of Excellence, spending seven years with the club playing from under-10 to under-15 level.
4. She left Leicester to join Birmingham City’s under-17 team in 2013 where she also had the opportunity to train with the senior WSL 1 team.
5. She moved to the United States in 2016 to pursue a scholarship at the University of Southern California where she majored in human biology and also played for the university’s football team.
6. 17-year-old Plumptre was the youngest player named to the under-23 team for the 2016 La Manga Tournament.
7. In 2017, the USC team won the National Championship and was even invited to the White House to celebrate their achievement.
8. Plumptre has represented England at under-15, under-17, under-19, and under-23 levels at two tournaments: the 2014 and 2015 UEFA Women’s Under-17 Championship.
9. Her coach sparked a desire in her to switch allegiance to Nigeria.
10. She contributed to Leicester City’s success, helping them win the FA Women’s Championship in the 2020-21 season.
11. She made her unofficial debut for Nigeria on 23 July 2021, starting in a 1–0 friendly win over Slovenian.
12. She made her official debut for Nigeria on 18 February 2022, starting in a 2–0 win over Ivory Coast during the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualification.
13. On 16 June 2023, she was included in the 23-player Nigeria squad for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
14. Plumptre left Leicester City following the expiration of her contract in July 2023.
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