The Super Falcons had a taste of greatness, and surprised everyone at the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Despite a group stage pairing with Australia, Canada and Republic of Ireland, the Super Falcons got the job done going unbeaten in the first round of the tournament.

The team assembled by Randy Waldrum was a very solid and organized defensive set up, that they managed to keep a clean sheet in three of the four matches they played.

When you consider that the game against England, the European Champions, went for 120 minutes, then the superb work of the defense becomes even more impressive.

Ashleigh Plumptre made her World Cup debut with Nigeria and instantly won over the hearts of many with her defensive prowess and intelligent reading of the game.

She played as if she had been a part of the team all her life, showing the hunger and commitment of the true Naija spirit.

In a chat with www.brila.net, Ashleigh Plumptre revealed that she had always wanted to trace her roots and connect with her origins.

The opportunity with the Super Falcons was the perfect avenue for her to experience what it felt like to be Nigerian, the chance to wear the green and white was too good to turn down despite having the opportunity to play for England.

“Yeah, I guess for me it was something that was brought up to me when I was at the university, but at the time I was just getting my degree and focusing on trying to do as well as I could out there.

“I always say that I’m an all or nothing kind of person, so if I’m going to do something I like to be able to put my best.”

“I spoke to my dad when I came back home after I graduated and I was like, this is something that I really want to pursue more than just being a football journey.

“I wanted it to be something where it was about what I can learn about myself, my own heritage and the heritage of my family that I’d never really been able to delve into before.”

“People say I guess it’s like a big decision, but, it was something that I felt like I was meant to do, like when I thought about the opportunity I was like this is something I really want to pursue because family goes beyond football.”