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Ashleigh Plumptre: Ex-Leicester City star speaks on marrying a Nigerian man

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Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has responded with humour and honesty after being asked about the possibility of marrying a Nigerian, Soccernet.ng reports.

In a recent media interaction in Lagos, the 27-year-old football star, who has become a household name in Nigerian football since switching allegiance from England, was asked whether she had plans to marry a Nigerian.

The former Leicester City Women defender responded lightheartedly that a relationship is not something on her mind at the moment.

Nigeria Super Falcons star Ashleigh Plumptre (L). Copyright: Imago

What Ashleigh Plumptre Said

“No, I’m 27 and I’ve not even… yeah, that’s not even anything in my mind right now. I mean, I don’t have any time.”

When pressed further on if she would marry a Nigerian man, she laughed at the timing of the question, saying:

“I mean, do you know what? To hear this question when I’m sat next to my dad is kind of a funny situation, but…”

Watch the video here:

Plumptre’s Footballing Career So Far

Ashleigh Plumptre, born in Leicester, England, began her football journey with Leicester City’s youth setup before moving to clubs including Notts County, USC Trojans (USA), LA Galaxy OC, and eventually back to Leicester City where she played a pivotal role in their promotion to the Women’s Super League.

In September 2023, she signed for Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, where she continues to impress with her defensive consistency and leadership.

Nigeria and Al-Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumptre.
Nigeria and Al-Ittihad defender Ashleigh Plumptre. Photo by IMAGO

Internationally, Plumptre represented England at the youth level before switching to Nigeria in 2022 through her paternal heritage.

Since then, she has become an integral part of the Super Falcons, helping Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and later lifting the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ashleigh Plumptre Rinsola Babajide and other Super Falcons players
Super Falcons stars celebrating WAFCON win [Photo credit: CAF/X]

Beyond Football

Off the pitch, Plumptre was appointed in February 2025 as a Global Ambassador for Mission 89, an international NGO fighting youth trafficking and exploitation in sports.

She has also been recognised as an Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for her contribution to Nigerian football.