A viral social media claim alleging that Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre was removed from Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) due to a dispute with officials has been dismissed as false.
The misleading report originated from a fake social media account impersonating the England-born defender. Plumptre, who has previously warned supporters about impersonators and confirmed that she does not operate a Facebook account, was not responsible for the post.
Football journalist Ojora Babatunde was among those who helped clarify the situation after making contact with the player, confirming that the viral claim had no connection to the Super Falcons star.
Injury Behind Absence
Rather than being dropped from the national team, Plumptre is currently recovering from a foot injury that required surgery.
The Al-Ittihad defender underwent a successful operation on her left foot in March 2026 and has since been following a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of her club.
Her current absence from recent Super Falcons camps is understood to be linked to her recovery process and fitness timeline ahead of upcoming competitions.
Key Player for Nigeria
Plumptre has become one of Nigeria’s most important defenders since switching international allegiance in 2022.
Eligible to represent Nigeria through her father, the centre-back quickly became a fan favourite due to her composure, leadership, and technical ability.
She played a major role during Nigeria’s impressive run at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was part of the Super Falcons squad that secured another WAFCON title in 2025.
The defender also scored her first international goal during Nigeria’s 2026 qualifiers, further strengthening her importance to the team.
Rumour Fuels Existing Concerns
The fake claim gained attention because it touched on existing frustrations among some Super Falcons supporters regarding issues surrounding Nigerian football, including past concerns over player welfare, bonuses, and transparency.
However, there has been no credible evidence linking Plumptre’s current situation to any disagreement with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
The defender had previously voiced concerns about the postponement of the 2026 WAFCON, arguing that repeated delays would not be accepted in other major international competitions, but this was unrelated to her current absence.
Focus Remains on Comeback
Plumptre’s priority remains returning to full fitness and being available for both club and country.
With Nigeria preparing to defend their WAFCON title in Morocco, the availability of key players like Plumptre could prove crucial as the Super Falcons aim to maintain their dominance on the continent.
The incident also highlights the growing challenge of misinformation in football, where fake accounts and unverified claims can quickly spread among passionate supporters.
For now, the message from those close to Plumptre is clear: her absence is due to injury recovery, not any dispute, and the defender remains focused on making her return to the pitch.
