Leicester-born star Ashleigh Plumptre earlier explained why she switched allegiance to play for the Super Falcons of Nigeria.
The defender had featured for England’s Youth teams, including the U17, U19 and U23, but chose to represent Nigeria at the national team level.
Speaking about her heritage, Plumptre told the BBC: ‘It’s always been an assumption that I’m white.’ And the 25-year-old said she feels she has a responsibility to represent the mixed-race community.
‘People have different reasons for wanting to play for a different country,’ she said. ‘I grew up playing for England, but it was more of a life decision than a football decision.
‘I felt I had a responsibility to try to play for Nigeria, if I could. ‘That just came from experiences within my family. I used to coach an Under 12s team with mixed heritage girls and feel I have a responsibility to learn about my heritage.
‘A lot of people think, “Oh, you’re switching so you can play international football”. It’s not like that at all. I knew exactly what I wanted and that came from understanding who I am.’
