False claims circulating on social media alleged that Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre was excluded from Nigeria's squad for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after refusing alleged corrupt demands from football officials. However, the defender has publicly dismissed the story, confirming that it originated from a fake social media account impersonating her.
What actually spread online
A Facebook post, falsely attributed to Plumptre and shared from an account carrying a fraudulently obtained verified checkmark, claimed she had been excluded from the squad after refusing to comply with demands from corrupt NFF officials. The post spread rapidly across Nigerian social media, sparking genuine outrage and debate before Plumptre addressed it directly.
Plumptre's response
Responding personally, Plumptre stated plainly: "None of it is true. I want to be absolutely clear about that." She explained that she has dealt with impersonation accounts using her name and photo for over a year, and that this particular version was especially convincing because the fake page appeared to carry official verification. She confirmed her only real social media accounts are on Instagram and LinkedIn, and thanked Super Falcons captain Rasheedat Ajibade and her teammates for publicly helping to debunk the story.
What the Nigeria Football Federation says
The NFF's Director of Competitions, Ruth David, also dismissed the claims outright, pointing out a key detail that undercuts the entire story: the coaching crew hadn't even submitted an official squad list for the tournament at the time the claims began circulating — meaning nobody could have been "excluded" from a list that didn't yet exist. The NFF also noted this wasn't an isolated incident, referencing similar fake news episodes involving other Super Falcons stars like Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo, and urged journalists and fans to verify information through official channels before sharing.
The Bigger Picture
This incident highlights the growing problem of misinformation and impersonation on social media, particularly involving high-profile athletes. Fans are encouraged to verify claims through official player accounts and trusted news sources before sharing them online.
Ashleigh Plumptre remains an important member of the Super Falcons and continues to prepare for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Ashleigh Plumptre dropped from Nigeria's WAFCON squad?
No. Ashleigh Plumptre confirmed that the viral claim was false and originated from a fake social media account.
Did the Nigeria Football Federation respond?
Yes. The NFF stated that no official squad had been announced when the false claim began circulating.
Where can fans follow Ashleigh Plumptre?
According to Plumptre, her official social media accounts are on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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