AFCON 2025
Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has publicly distanced herself from a viral Facebook post that falsely claimed she had been excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) due to alleged corruption within the football federation.
The fabricated statement, which circulated widely on social media over the weekend, was published by a Facebook account impersonating the Nigerian international. The page, which carries a verification badge despite having a relatively small following, falsely attributed a lengthy message to Plumptre in which she allegedly accused unnamed officials of demanding favors in exchange for a place in the national team.
The post sparked concern among supporters, with many fearing that one of Nigeria’s key defenders had been left out of the squad amid internal controversy just weeks before the tournament in Morocco.
However, Plumptre swiftly shut down the claims, making it clear that the account does not belong to her and that the statements were entirely fabricated.
“Please report and block these fake Facebook accounts. They’re running riot for real. I don’t even use Facebook,” Plumptre wrote on her official X account .
The warning immediately reassured fans and highlighted the growing challenge posed by fake accounts impersonating high-profile athletes online.
The fraudulent Facebook page had attempted to lend credibility to its claims by using a verification badge and posting a graphic containing an emotional statement alleging unfair treatment and corruption. The message suggested Plumptre had been omitted from Nigeria’s WAFCON squad after refusing to comply with demands from football officials.
Despite its dramatic tone, the statement had no basis in fact.
There were red flags on the page, including its low follower count and a combination of unrelated personal content that contrasted sharply with the professional appearance typically associated with verified athlete accounts.
The incident comes at a crucial time for the Super Falcons as preparations intensify for the continental championship. Nigeria will be aiming to reclaim the African title and further cement its status as the most successful nation in the history of women’s football on the continent.
Plumptre remains a key figure within the national team setup. Since committing her international future to Nigeria, the Al-Ittihad defender has become one of the most influential members of the Super Falcons squad, earning widespread praise for her leadership, consistency, and commitment to the team.
