Super Falcons defender, Ashleigh Plumptre, has addressed the viral video of an emotional white woman seen shedding tears after Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 victory over host nation Morocco in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final, clarifying that the woman is not her mother.
While the Falcons’ thrilling comeback dominated headlines, securing their record-extending 10th continental title, many fans were equally captivated by the sight of a tearful white woman in the crowd.
The footage, captured by Making of Champions and shared widely on social media, led many to believe the emotional fan was Plumptre’s mother.
Speculation spread quickly, with fans applauding the woman as a symbol of unwavering support for the England-born Nigerian defender.
However, in a recent interview shared online, Plumptre debunked the rumours, explaining that although the woman is not a family member, she shares a deep connection with her.
“Somebody said it, but that’s not my family. I will tell you quickly,” Plumptre said. “That family came and watched the tournament in 2022, and I saw them in the crowd the girls and it made me emotional because they reminded me of myself and my sister, and their dad and whatever.”
She recounted the beginning of their bond during the 2022 WAFCON tournament, revealing that she had noticed the family in the stands and felt an emotional connection.
“So, I have actually been speaking to them because when we played a couple of games ago, I saw them again. I wanted to make sure I know them. So, I gave one of the girls my shirt, and I was like, ‘Message me on Instagram and I will try and find you,’ and I did. Then I managed to speak to them a little bit and I’m hoping tomorrow I actually see them. But they’re not my family.”
Despite not being related, Plumptre expressed how much the family means to her.
“They always feel like my family because, you know them, I see them sat there. The dad obviously resembles my dad. The girls always… the mum looks like my mother. But no, it’s not my family. But still, they mean a lot to me.”
Plumptre, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, has been a key figure in Nigeria’s WAFCON campaign.
Her composed leadership at the back and well-timed defensive interventions earned her a place in the Team of the Group Stage.
As the Super Falcons celebrated their 10th continental triumph, her off-pitch humility and openness added another layer to her growing legacy.
