Ashleigh Plumptre opens up on her Nigerian identity, World Cup journey, and life in the Saudi Women’s Premier League

REDISCOVERING HER NIGERIAN HERITAGE

Although born and raised in England and previously represented England at youth level, Plumptre revealed that the turning point in choosing Nigeria came during the Covid-19 period, a time that allowed her to reconnect with family and explore her roots.

She described having long conversations with her sister, who was also navigating her own identity, which made them realise they had never truly explored their Nigerian heritage.

This inspired her to speak to her father about opening herself up to representing Nigeria, a decision that led to her first camp in 2021.

Since then, she says the experience has been an “unravelling” of who she is.

“I feel connected to Nigeria, to the people, my family, and my teammates. The culture is something I didn’t grow up with, but I deeply feel attached to.”

HOW HER NIGERIAN ROOTS SHAPE HER GAME

Plumtre shared that there were many characteristics she never connected with Britishness, yet she found them reflected in Nigerian culture and her teammates.

She has always been passionate, intense, and strict with herself, qualities she saw mirrored in the Nigerian squad’s physicality, heart, and all-or-nothing mentality.

“When I joined the team, I realise all the things inside me that I never connected to anything before now connected to the Nigerian side of my heritage.”

HUMILITY, PERSONALITY, AND STAYING GROUNDED

Though fans often describe her as calm and humble, Plumptre revealed that much of it comes from having been a shy child and still struggling with confidence today.

“Maybe people see humility, but it actual just me not being confident sometimes.”

She added that her ability to separate her identity from football helps keep her grounded:

“I’m Ashleigh first, then Ashleigh the footballer.”

AN EMOTIONAL NIGERIA DEBUT

Plumptre recalled being nervous two weeks before her debut against Ivory Coast.

Playing her first match in Nigeria, with expectations surrounding the unknown “new girl,” added pressure.

After the match, she broke down in tears, she reveals.

“I called my family saying, I can’t believe I’ve just made my debut, it was a relief after putting so much pressure on myself.”

She remembers the love from Nigerian fans more than the details of the match, a moment that marked the beginning of her national team journey.

LESSONS FROM THE 2023 FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP

Her World Cup experience remains surreal for Plumptre, who never initially set it as a goal.

She revealed she actually went into the tournament injured and unsure how she would cope with the pain.

Supported by coaches and teammates, she learned to stay present and embrace every emotion fear, excitement, nerves, pressure.

“I think that why we performed the way we did. We stood together despite everything happening behind the scenes.”

Nigeria International and Al-Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumtre facing off against her home country of England 

WHY SHE CHOSE SAUDI ARABIA AND AL-ITTIHAD

Plumptre described her move to the Saudi Women’s Premier League as unexpected, guided by genuine human connection rather than football factors.

Her first call with club management and the head coach focused more on values, truth, and personal alignment than the sport itself.

“I remember telling my dad, ‘I’ve never expected this, but I think Saudi Arabia is where I need to be.”

She joined Al-Ittihad after the World Cup, during a difficult period marked by injury and illness, felt fully supported professionally and personally.

Now in her third season, she says: “I feel connected to the team, to the county. I love living here. I can see real progress on and off the field.”

THE UNFORGETTABLE HAT-TRICK

One of Plumptre’s standout early moments in Saudi Arabia was scoring a hat-trick in her first match, a rare sight for a defender.

She admitted she was extremely nervous going into the game, aware of the expectations placed on her. But the freedom and support she felt at Al-Ittihad unlocked something new.

“It was almost like an out-of- body experience. I took shots I wouldn’t normally take. Everything just flowed."

She jokes that fans shouldn’t expect this every week.

“I don’t score hat-tricks often. I don’t even score often.”

HER MESSAGE TO YOUNG GIRLS IN NIGERIA AND BEYOND

Ashleigh hopes young players understand the power of embracing their individuality.

“You’re where you are because there’s nobody else like you, stay true to yourself, that's the real path to success.”

She emphasised courage, self-belief, and not allowing society to dictate one’s journey.

A TASTE OF HOME: HER NIGERIAN DISH OF CHOICE

When asked which Nigerian dish she’d introduce to her Al-Ittihad teammates, Plumptre proudly chose Moi Moi, despite often being judged for it.

She loves it because of the home-style cooking passed down from her auntie and also highlighted a tilapia fish stew she enjoys when she’s home.

Catch action from the Saudi Women’s Premier League live on SuperSport’s 24-hour AWSN Channel.