Plumptre represented England at youth levels, but switched allegiance at the senior level, opting to play for the Super Falcons
By Kehinde Okeowo
Ashleigh Plumptre has been officially cleared by the world football governing body, FIFA, she is now expected to don the Super Falcons’ shirt having previously represented England at youth level.
The 23-year-old, having switched allegiance to Nigeria is now eligible for Nigeria’s 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations play-off against Cote d’Ivoire in February.
Plumptre was born in England to a Nigerian father and a British mother and represented England at the youth level, but can now represent Nigerian at senior female football competitions.
In July 2021, she was part of the Nigerian team that camped in Austria ahead of the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Cup in which Nigeria lost to South Africa in the final.
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NFF’s Director of Communications, Ademola Olajire disclosed the development while talking to BBC Sports Africa.
He praised the Leicester City player for her role in fast tracking her clearance from FIFA, urging other players to emulate her level of commitment.
He said. “We are happy to receive Ashleigh’s official clearance from Fifa.
“It was only possible because of her commitment and dedication. She made the federation’s work a lot easier by providing all the requirements in quick time.
“Ashleigh personally approached the English FA directly to get the required international clearance from that end.
“Her professionalism and unflinching desire to play for Nigeria is honestly heart-warming. That big move on her part helped a lot and prevented the long wait for the FA’s response.”
Plumptre after her clearance has now joined Frauen-Bundesliga club SC Sands’ Patricia George, Sevillas’ Toni Payne, and Houston Dashs’ Michelle Alozie who all opted to don the Nigerian jersey instead of their countries of birth.
“She got all the documents in a few months without being forced or persuaded.
“We’ve been through this Fifa process with other players in the past and others needed to be reminded. Ashleigh made personal sacrifices to ensure a smooth clearance.” Olajire added.
Plumptre while speaking with BBC said she is yet to meet Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho, fellow Nigerians playing for the male team of her club, Leicester City.
She attributed the delay in meeting them to the Covid-19 outbreak, while also describing the duo as her role models.
In her word: “With Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho have been good role models for me.
“It’s funny we haven’t met but that’s all because of Covid but at some point, hopefully, we’ll be able to meet each other.”