'She rocked it with pride' - Super Falcons icon Onome hails Plumptre as new no.5 after comeback

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'She rocked it with pride' - Super Falcons icon Onome hails Plumptre as new no.5 after comeback

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 16:15 - 25.06.2025

Ebi Onome praises new number 5 Ashleigh Plumptre’s proud return to the Super Falcons in a 0-0 draw against Portugal, as Nigeria gears up for WAFCON 2025.

Former Super Eagles defender Ebi Onome has expressed immense pride after Ashleigh Plumptre’s long-awaited return to the Super Falcons in a hard-fought goalless draw against Portugal in an international friendly on Monday night. 

The 27-year-old, absent for over a year, came off the bench in the second half, replacing former Liverpool star Rinsola Babajide on the hour mark and donning the iconic number 5 jersey.

Onome Praises Plumptre’s Pride in Number 5

Onome, the previous wearer of the number 5, took to social media to celebrate Plumptre’s 30-minute cameo.

In a video of the England-born defender’s entrance shared on the social media platform Instagram, Onome made her feelings known in the comment section. 

Ashleigh Plumptre returns to the Super Falcons.

“She rocked the jersey number 5 with pride,” Onome wrote, commending Plumptre’s impressive performance in the tightly contested match in her new number. 

The former Super Falcons star’s words highlighted the significance of Plumptre’s return as she seamlessly slotted into the team’s defensive line.

FIFA celebrates Super Falcons legend Onome Ebi with the no.5

Super Falcons Gear Up for WAFCON Mission X

The goalless draw against a formidable Portuguese side showed the Super Falcons’ resilience and readiness for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, set for July 5-26, 2025.

Despite a slow start to the game, which saw the hosts dominate the opening half, the Falcons put on a brave fight with a determined display in the second half to earn a share of the spoils.

Screenshot 2025-06-25 162224

Plumptre’s return, one of the highlights of the match, bolsters Nigeria’s quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title, dubbed Mission X. 

With coach Justine Madugu now turning focus to a final friendly against rivals Ghana, the Super Falcons are poised to fine-tune their preparations for the continental showdown.