Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre has strongly denied reports circulating on social media suggesting she expressed frustration over being left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The defender described the claims as false and the work of online impersonators.
The misleading post, which gained traction on Facebook, alleged that the Al-Ittihad Ladies defender was unhappy after reportedly being excluded from the Super Falcons team expected to compete at the continental tournament in Morocco.
Responding to the viral claims on Tuesday, Plumptre clarified that the statements being attributed to her did not originate from any of her official platforms and urged fans to help report fake accounts operating under her name.
She revealed that several fraudulent accounts have been impersonating her for more than a year, using her identity to deceive unsuspecting members of the public.
Plumptre stated that she had already alerted her followers on Instagram and X about the fake profiles and is working with contacts in Saudi Arabia to have the accounts removed.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also dismissed the reports, insisting that the defender has no Facebook account and has repeatedly cautioned the public about individuals impersonating her online.
NFF Director of Competitions, Ruth David, described the story as entirely fabricated, noting that Plumptre had previously released a video warning fans about fake social media accounts using her identity.
David further pointed out that reports of the defender’s omission were unfounded because no official squad list has yet been submitted by the coaching crew for the forthcoming WAFCON tournament.
The federation stressed that any claims regarding player selections at this stage should be treated with caution and verified through official channels.
The NFF also referenced previous incidents involving false reports linked to Super Falcons stars Esther Okoronkwo and Asisat Oshoala, reiterating its call for journalists and media platforms to verify information before publication.
Concerned by the growing trend of misinformation targeting national team players, the federation urged media practitioners and football fans to uphold professionalism and accuracy when sharing content online.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons are gearing up for another title challenge at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where they will be aiming to retain their status as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.
