Ashleigh Plumptre is a name that rings a bell in the world of football. The England-born football player is currently a key player in the Nigerian women's national football team. Plumptre was born in England in 1998 and began playing football when she was just five years old. She first played football for her local team, Wellingborough Diamonds, before moving on to Northampton Town Ladies.
Plumptre's career as a football player took her to different parts of the world, including the United States and Australia. She played for the high school team at the University of New Haven, where she had a stellar career. She was top scorer and an All-American in her freshman year. Her impressive performances earned her a call-up to the England Under-17 national team in 2013.
Despite playing for the England Under-17 team, Plumptre had always dreamt of playing for the Nigerian national team. Her mother, who is Nigerian, encouraged her to play for the Super Falcons. In 2018, the opportunity came knocking. Plumptre received an invitation to join the Nigerian national team. She accepted the invitation and made her debut for the Super Falcons in the same year. Since then, Plumptre has become a key player for the Nigerian team.
Plumptre's versatility as a player has been a vital asset to the Nigerian team. She can play as a defender, midfielder, or striker, making her a valuable player for the team. Her ball control, pace, and endurance make her a formidable opponent, and she has earned praise from teammates and coaches alike. She has also scored crucial goals for the Nigerian team in important matches.
Her impressive performances have not gone unnoticed. She was voted the 2020-21 Young Player of the Season for her club side, Leicester City Football Club Women. The award recognized her contribution to the team during the season. Plumptre has also been nominated for the 2021 Nigerian Women Football League Player of the Season award.
Plumptre's move to the Nigerian national team has not been without controversy. Some Nigerians have accused her of using her Nigerian heritage to get a spot in the team. However, Plumptre has always maintained that she has always wanted to play for Nigeria and is proud to represent the country.
In conclusion, Ashleigh Plumptre is a talented football player who has made a name for herself in the world of football. Her commitment and dedication to the Nigerian team are praiseworthy, and she has proved to be a valuable asset to the team. As her career progresses, it will be interesting to see how she continues to develop as a player and represent Nigeria on a global stage.
