In a touching post on her social media, Ebi shared her joy at seeing Plumptre excel in the same number she once proudly wore, noting the similarities between them that go beyond football.
“You see this girl, eh? I feel we are the same from different parents,” Ebi wrote with affection and humour. “Best replacement for the number 5, which means a lot to me and makes me satisfied after 20 years.”
Ebi, who is the most capped female player in Nigeria’s history, pointed out a symbolic connection — they both share the same birth day and month (May 8), though born in different years. She playfully suggested that all that remains is a change of name on the jersey, from Ebi to Plumptre.
Currently representing Nigeria at the 2024 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco, Ashleigh Plumptre has been a rock in the Falcons' defense, helping the team reach the semi-finals of the competition. Her strong presence at the back has drawn widespread praise, and now, the blessing from one of Nigeria’s greatest defenders.
Ebi praised Plumptre’s discipline, consistency, and dedication, qualities that defined her own illustrious career and which she now sees in the Saudi Premier League club Al-Ittihad defender.
“The energy, discipline, consistency, dedication — are almost the same,” she said. “I am proud.”
With Nigeria eyeing a record-extending WAFCON title, the endorsement from Ebi is not only a personal gesture, but a passing of the torch — as Ashleigh Plumptre continues to carve her own legacy in the green and white.
0 Comments