Nigerian international defender Ashleigh Plumptre has publicly dismissed a viral social media claim alleging that she was dropped from the Super Falcons squad ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after refusing questionable demands from football officials.

The story, which circulated widely across Facebook, X, and other social media platforms, was traced to a fake Facebook account impersonating the Super Falcons star.

The false post claimed that Plumptre had been excluded from the Nigerian squad due to disagreements with football authorities. The allegation quickly gained traction online, prompting concern among fans ahead of the continental tournament.

However, the defender has now set the record straight, describing the account and the statements attributed to her as fake.

In a public response, Plumptre clarified that she never made the comments being circulated and urged supporters to disregard information originating from unauthorized social media accounts.

Fake Account Sparks Debate Online

The hoax generated widespread reactions among Nigerian football fans, with many initially believing the claims due to the growing popularity of fake celebrity accounts on social media.

Following Plumptre’s clarification, several supporters called for greater vigilance in verifying information before sharing it online.

The incident also highlights the challenges faced by athletes and public figures whose identities are frequently used to spread misinformation.

Who Is Ashleigh Plumptre?

Born in England on May 8, 1998, Plumptre qualified to represent Nigeria through her Nigerian heritage, tracing her roots to Lagos State through her paternal grandfather.

Before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2022, she represented England at various youth levels.

Since joining the Super Falcons, Plumptre has become one of the team’s most reliable defenders, featuring prominently at major tournaments, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Her calmness on the ball, defensive discipline, leadership qualities, and versatility have earned her widespread admiration among Nigerian football supporters.

Focus Remains on WAFCON

With the misinformation now debunked, attention has shifted back to Nigeria’s preparations for WAFCON, where the Super Falcons will be aiming to add another continental title to their illustrious history.

Plumptre is expected to remain a key figure in the squad as Nigeria seeks success on the African stage.

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