Nigerian star who dumped England gets emotional after 'Oyinbo pepper' song from Nigerians

It was a moment filled with goosebumps and heartfelt gratitude as Ashleigh Plumptre, the Super Falcons defender who chose Nigeria over England, felt the overwhelming love of Nigerian fans chanting “oyinbo pepper” during Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 win against Botswana.

The emotional display left Plumptre visibly moved, showing just how much the support means to her.

After the match, Plumptre spoke in a video on Instagram expressing her deep appreciation for the fans’ unwavering support.

“I can never speak highly enough of the amount of support I get from the Nigerian fans,” she shared, her voice tinged with emotion.

“Even when I heard them chanting, especially towards the end of the game, it gave me goosebumps. It really means more to me than people realise. I’m just so grateful.”

The chant “oyinbo pepper” — a playful nod to her fair complexion and fiery spirit, echoed every time Plumptre touched the ball or made a crucial tackle, fueling her performance and connection with the crowd.

Plumptre’s inspiring display didn’t go unnoticed. She was crowned Player of the Match, earning 52.4% of the fan votes in a poll launched by the Super Falcons’ official social media right after the final whistle.

Her commanding presence at the back was key in securing Nigeria’s place in the quarter-finals of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).

Leading from the back, Plumptre’s tackles and passes resonated with fans and teammates, proving why she is a defensive star for the Super Falcons.

The love she received from Nigerians is not just a tribute to her skills but a heartfelt embrace of her commitment to the nation she proudly represents.