Former Tremendous Falcons captain Onome Ebi has praised Ashleigh Plumptre as the proper successor to Nigeria’s iconic No. 5 jersey, which she proudly wore for 20 years.
Taking to her X deal with, Ebi wrote:
“Greatest alternative for my #5 jersey, which suggests quite a bit to me after 20 years. Similar birthday 8 Could, only a title change from Ebi to Plumptre ⚽️. The vitality, self-discipline, consistency, and dedication are virtually the identical . I’m proud ⚽️. The legacy continues ✅️.”
Responding to the tweet, Plumptre wrote “ Grateful! Thanks for the legacy you led and proceed to go away .”
Ebi’s Legendary Profession
Within the historical past of the Ladies’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), few gamers can match Onome Ebi’s longevity and affect. The central defender stays probably the most capped participant within the match’s historical past, with seven appearances: 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2022.
Ebi’s consistency, management, and defensive solidity helped Nigeria dominate girls’s soccer in Africa, profitable 4 WAFCON titles throughout her profession (2010, 2014, 2016, 2018). She additionally represented Nigeria in 5 FIFA Ladies’s World Cups and earned over 100 worldwide caps.
“Because the oldest member of the group, I had an ethical responsibility: to inspire the younger gamers and set an instance. You don’t keep within the nationwide group along with your previous; you keep there along with your self-discipline,” Ebi stated in 2022 throughout her closing WAFCON look in Morocco.
Though Nigeria didn’t win the 2022 title, Ebi’s dedication and management stay a shining instance for future generations of Tremendous Falcons.
Plumptre Carrying the Torch
Ashleigh Plumptre, who’s at present starring for Nigeria on the 2024 WAFCON in Morocco, has been broadly recognised as one of many match’s standout defenders. The Al-Ittihad captain was just lately named within the Staff of the Group Stage for her commanding performances and calm management.
Born in Leicester, England, Plumptre represented England at youth ranges (U-15, U-17, U-19, and U-23) earlier than committing to Nigeria, her father’s homeland, forward of the 2022 WAFCON. Since then, the 27-year-old has develop into a key participant for the Tremendous Falcons, mixing robust defensive expertise with a capability to contribute in assault.
Plumptre’s membership profession has seen her play for Notts County, LA Galaxy OC, and Leicester Metropolis, the place she helped them win the FA Ladies’s Championship within the 2020/21 season. Now at Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, she continues to indicate her high quality, scoring key targets and main by instance.
As Nigeria prepares to face South Africa within the WAFCON semi-final on Wednesday, Plumptre’s rise has earned reward from followers and legends alike. With Ebi’s blessing, the No. 5 jersey’s proud legacy is in secure arms.
