Michael Conforto and Austin Slater hit two-run homers to lead the San Francisco Giants to a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies

Ex-England youth international Ashleigh Plumptre insists it was a simple choice to switch allegiances to Nigeria, who on Monday night could knock her native country out of the World Cup. Leicestershire born and raised Plumptre, 25, has represented England from under-15 to under-23 level, but in January 2022 received FIFA’s approval to join the Super Falcons. Plumptre, who three weeks ago left Leicester after making 79 appearances for the Women’s Super League side, grew up with a half-Nigerian dad whose own father was born in Lagos. The defender said: “For me, it wasn’t difficult because I knew exactly what I wanted from football and I think that just came down from understanding who I am. On my journey, I’ve learned more about myself and I know what I want from football. “And I always say, ‘for me, it’s more than just playing.’ It sounds really weird but I always say I’m not obsessed with football, specifically, I’m obsessed with what I can learn about myself from playing. “And that’s why playing for Nigeria would probably be the most fulfilling thing I could do. “Not to say that my experiences were ever bad with England, they never were, but it was just more that my life went on a different course. “And I’m like, hmm, this is important for me, for my sister, for my family and for the young people who identify as being mixed heritage.” In an interview for the Nigerian Football Federation, Plumptre describes her younger half-sister Bayleigh Bisi as having a darker skin tone and different hair texture, which initially led to her more strongly resonating with their Nigerian heritage. Plumptre feels her own journey is entwined with her sibling’s – going so far as to say that the road to this World Cup, which saw world number 40 Nigeria oust Olympic champions Canada en route to the knockouts, is one shared by them both. She added: “I feel like people have different reasons for wanting to play for a different country. “For me, obviously, I grew up playing for England and I enjoyed my time with them but I always say it was always more of a life decision than a football decision. “I felt like I had a responsibility to try and play for Nigeria, if I could. “And that just came from experiences within family. I’ve got my younger sister, I used to coach an under-12s team with girls with mixed heritage girls, and I feel like I have a responsibility to learn about my heritage and I have the privilege of being able to play football and use that to be able to learn, so it came about like that for me.” Nigeria have contested all nine World Cups, reaching the quarter-finals in 1999. Should they wish to equal or better that feat they will have to find their way past European champions England. Plumptre is prepared to face the Lionesses, a side which includes several former team-mates. She said: “I was like, ‘it’s gonna end up that way’. I know a lot of the players, I grew up playing with a lot of them, play against them. So I would completely relish that opportunity. I would love to play them.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Harry Kane puts speculation to one side with four goals in Tottenham friendly Dozens of triathletes stuck down with diarrhoea and vomiting after ‘swimming in s**t’ Finn Russell expects different challenge from full-strength France next week

WASHINGTON Montana Governor Greg Gianforte on Wednesday signed legislation to ban Chinese-owned TikTok from operating in the state

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The last former Minneapolis police officer to face sentencing in state court for his role in the killing of George Floyd is expected to learn Monday whether he’ll spend any additional time in prison

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Sidney Crosby recorded his 16th career hat trick to rally the Pittsburgh Penguins over the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-3 for their fifth straight win on Tuesday night.

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People have just discovered the meaning behind the iconic children's toy brand Lego and they're stunned. Founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, the company has significantly grown from a small carpenter’s workshop to a worldwide phenomenon. The company was passed on to Ole's son and is currently owned by the founder's grandson, Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen. Interestingly, the brand name is an abbreviation of the two Danish words "leg godt," which ironically means "I put together" in Latin – though that wasn't the founder's intention. He was initially swaying towards "LEGIO" (legions) but ended up opting for Lego, which means "play well". They have since gone on to become a household name, winning Toy of the Century twice. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter In the 1950s, the second-generation owner Godtfred Kirk Christiansen said: "Our idea has been to create a toy that prepares the child for life - appealing to their imagination and developing the creative urge and joy of creation that are the driving forces in every human being." Last year, the company celebrated 90 years of Lego. "When my great-grandfather founded the company 90 years ago, he recognised that play could change the lives of children – it brings families together and helps children develop skills that can enable them to reach their full potential. He only had a small workshop, but he had big ambitions to ensure as many children as possible could experience the benefits that play brings," Thomas Kirk Kristiansen, Chairman of the LEGO Group said. "Whether 1932, 2022 or on our 100th Anniversary in 2032, we have and will always strive to continue Ole’s legacy by helping all families, wherever they are in the world, to play well." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

1047 Games, developer of the battle royale shooter Splitgate, has announced its partnership with Amazon Prime Gaming, as well as several pro-teams, for the Splitgate Pro Series.

Gonzalo Pineda was not happy with the officiating in his side's 3-2 loss to the Union.