WAFCON 2025: Super Falcons star Toni Payne says Ashleigh Plumptre is British

As the Super Falcons gear up for their second group match at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), one off-pitch moment between teammates has caught attention. 

During a light-hearted word association game, Toni Payne humorously described Ashleigh Plumptre with the single word: “British.”

In the team game, Payne was asked to choose one word to describe several of her Super Falcons teammates.

For Ashleigh Plumptre, she smiled and chose “British,” clearly referencing Plumptre’s upbringing in Leicester, England, and her accent, which remains distinct even after her switch to represent Nigeria in 2022. 

Plumptre, who once wore the England jersey up to U23 level, made headlines during the 2023 Women’s World Cup when she played against her country of birth as a Super Falcons defender. 

Payne, also born outside Nigeria, in the United States, shares a similar path, having represented the USA until U23 level before committing to Nigeria in 2021. For Michelle Alozie, Payne picked “fashionable,” a nod to Alozie’s flair on and off the pitch. And when asked about veteran captain Onome Ebi, she simply said, “leadership”.

After their commanding 3-0 victory over Tunisia in their opening WAFCON 2025 match, Nigeria are brimming with confidence heading into their next fixture. 

Led by coach Justin Madugu, the Super Falcons face Botswana at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Thursday, July 10, with kick-off at 8 PM Nigerian time. 

With goals from Asisat Oshoala, Rinsola Babajide, and Chiwendu Ihezuo giving them three points from their opening game, the Super Falcons are keen to maintain momentum. 

Botswana, making just their second appearance at WAFCON, narrowly lost their opening match and now face a daunting task against the nine-time African champions.