Plumptre, who represented England at U15, U17, U19, and U23 levels, made her senior debut for Nigeria in February 2022 and has since become an integral part of the team—most notably helping the Super Falcons lift the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
A Decision Rooted in Heritage and Purpose
Speaking in an interview published by Nigerian Tribune, Plumptre revealed that her journey to the Nigerian national team was sparked during the COVID-19 lockdown, when extended time with her sister prompted deeper conversations about their mixed heritage and identity.
“What pushed me to play for Nigeria was asking myself the question: what do I want to do with football?” she said. “This happened during the COVID era, when I spent more time with my sister. And she spoke about wanting to know about our heritage. So it was more of a journey for me to learn more about our culture based on her provoking that in me because of her interest.”
For Plumptre, whose father is Nigerian, the decision to play for the Super Falcons was not simply about international opportunity—it was about reconnecting with a part of herself she hadn’t previously explored.
“I’ve been out to identify the part of my heritage that I’ve never really been able to delve into before, and also be a representation of other young people, especially mixed-race people, who need to identify with being here nor there, but feel connected to two different cultures,” she explained.
A Symbol of Belonging
Plumptre has consistently framed her international switch as a deliberate and meaningful choice, not a fallback. “It wasn’t a plan B,” she said. “It was about identity and a sense of something bigger than me.”
Her passion has been evident both on and off the pitch. At the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she was one of Nigeria’s standout performers. And in 2024, she played a key role in the Super Falcons’ triumphant WAFCON campaign—adding another proud chapter to her growing legacy with the team.
National Recognition
In recognition of her contributions, the Nigerian government honoured Plumptre with the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) national award. She also received a $100,000 cash reward and a three-bedroom home in Abuja’s Renewed Hope Estate, alongside her fellow WAFCON-winning teammates.
Plumptre’s story continues to resonate with fans in Nigeria and beyond—not just because of her skill on the pitch, but because of what her journey represents: pride in identity, the power of self-discovery, and the courage to follow a path rooted in personal meaning.