Ashleigh Plumptre: Super Falcons Star in Tears After Reuniting With Her Dad, Photos
- Ashleigh Plumptre tearfully hugged her father in Lagos after reuniting following Super Falcons’ 10th WAFCON triumph in Morocco
- She switched her international allegiance from England to Nigeria and has since been an important member of the squad
- Plumptre made a strong debut for Nigeria in February 2022 at the WAFCON qualifiers
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Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre was pictured in tears as she hugged her beloved father in Lagos after a long-awaited reunion.
Plumptre played a pivotal role in the Nigerian women's national team's quest to win the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. The team had to come from two goals down to beat the hosts 3-2 in a pulsating final match.
Source: Twitter
Born in England to a Nigerian father and English mother, Plumptre, who switched international allegiance in 2021, has been a key member of the Super Falcons squad.
As the team returned home, they were hosted to a lavish reception by President Bola Tinubu, who gave each player the sum of $100,000, per State House.
The president national awards to the team - The Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) - and gave each player a three-bedroom apartment.
The ladies were also treated to a special event in Lagos by telecommunications giants MTN, at Eko Hotel, before a meet-and-greet with fans at the Hard Rock Cafe.
A special moment came when Plumptre shared a warm embrace with her dad as she was practically overwhelmed by emotions.
Safari Sports shared the photo, which has since gone viral on X.
"After winning the WAFCON, it was an emotional moment for Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre as she hugged her father, Tim Plumptre, in Lagos, Nigeria."
Fans have continued to react to the post:
@Emperorpapillo said:
"The father's love/embrace hits differently defo."
@_BarnyO added:
"Proud moment. Oyibo! Thanks for your service to our great country Nigeria."
@XDahdy suggested:
"Make sure you find yourself a Yoruba man as spouse. It’s important to concretize your heritage with a solid Yorubaman. Ore and we love you Ashleigh."
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WAFCON star Ashleigh Plumptre ecstatic after meeting her idol Okocha, introduces him to dad
@ImohwoL50018 said:
"Congratulations once again Champ. You were solid as a rock, and we really do appreciate you and your teammates. Thank you."
@oluyanimi suggested:
"Congratulations super star once again. Please add your OON to your bio."
@Tobe_Bettingsaid:
"Beautiful scenes! Dis WAFCON title hit different – family celebrating with family. When victory brings tears of joy like dis, even my guys for Tejuosho market dey catch feelings. Super Falcons showing why football na more than just game! "
Dsavikool posited:
"I taught she doesn't know her father cos it was said he passed on early and she only grew up knowing her grandad more before he also passed.. So why showing this as his father.."
Source: Getty Images
Ashleigh Plumptre career highlights
Plumptre made a strong debut for Nigeria in February 2022 at the WAFCON qualifiers, assisting in a 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast. Her performance was solid, earning her a starting role in subsequent matches.
She played every minute of Nigeria's four matches at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, helping the team reach the Round of 16. Notably, Plumptre was the only African player named to the Team of the Round of 16 by Whoscored.com.
As a leader in defense, Plumptre was instrumental in Nigeria's record-extending 10th continental title at 2024 WAFCON. She was named to the Team of the Group Stage for her consistent performances.
Football fan Saheed Adura took time out to praise the UK-born star for her commitment towards the Nigerian women's national team. He told Legit.ng:
"She has been impressive for the national team, and no one can doubt her commitment since she decided to switch and play for us. I hope others can also see her as an example. I believe there is room for more players."
Plumptre meets Jay Jay Okocha
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre was visibly excited after meeting her football idol and Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha.
She shared a photo of the moment she met Jay Jay on her Instagram handle as she wrote:
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
