Plumptre Debunks Super Falcons Exit Claims, Warns Fans About Scammers

Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has dismissed viral reports claiming that she plans to stop representing Nigeria, describing the allegations as false and the work of online fraudsters impersonating her on social media.

The Nigeria international, who currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad, clarified that she never made any statement suggesting she would quit the national team over alleged disagreements with football officials or issues relating to her place in the squad.

The controversy began after a fake Facebook account bearing Plumptre’s name circulated claims that she had been excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and was considering ending her international career.

The fraudulent account also alleged that certain football officials demanded favours and financial inducements from players seeking national team invitations, claims that quickly gained traction on social media.

Reacting to the reports, Plumptre categorically distanced herself from the account and warned fans against interacting with individuals posing as her online.

“Awful false accounts. I’ve posted on my Instagram and X for people to report. They are using my identity and scamming people. I am currently contacting someone in Saudi Arabia to help me take these accounts down because this has been happening for well over a year now,” Plumptre said.

The defender stressed that the statements circulating online did not originate from her and urged supporters to disregard messages, requests and fundraising appeals associated with the fake account.

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According to her, the impersonators have repeatedly used her identity to spread misinformation and solicit money from unsuspecting Nigerians.

Plumptre reiterated that she has never requested financial assistance, gifts, donations or monetary contributions through social media and advised fans to verify online accounts before engaging with anyone claiming to represent her.

She further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to have the fraudulent accounts removed while relevant authorities investigate those responsible for the impersonation.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also moved swiftly to debunk the reports, describing the claims as entirely fabricated.

The federation noted that Plumptre has repeatedly informed the public that she does not operate a Facebook account and warned journalists and football fans against relying on information published by unverified social media pages.

According to the NFF, reports suggesting that Plumptre had been omitted from Nigeria’s WAFCON squad were baseless because the coaching crew had not yet released an official list for the tournament.

The federation further revealed that similar fake accounts have previously targeted other Super Falcons players, including Asisat Oshoala and Esther Okoronkwo, in attempts to spread false information and defraud supporters.

Plumptre’s clarification comes as preparations intensify for the upcoming WAFCON tournament, where the Super Falcons will be seeking to reclaim continental dominance and extend their record as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.

Since switching allegiance from England to Nigeria in 2021, the Leicester-born defender has become one of the most influential figures in the Super Falcons setup. Her performances at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and subsequent international competitions earned widespread praise from fans and football stakeholders.

Beyond her contributions on the pitch, Plumptre has also gained admiration for embracing her Nigerian heritage and building a strong connection with supporters across the country.

The defender thanked Nigerian fans for their continued support and reaffirmed her commitment to representing the Super Falcons whenever called upon.

She also urged the public to remain vigilant against cybercriminals who increasingly exploit the identities of celebrities, athletes and public figures to spread misinformation and perpetrate online scams.

As concerns over digital fraud continue to grow, authorities have advised social media users to verify information through official and verified accounts before sharing content or responding to requests for financial assistance.

Plumptre Debunks Super Falcons Exit Claims, Warns Fans About Scammers