Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre on Tuesday dismissed a viral social media post claiming she was excluded from Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations over her refusal to meet alleged demands from football officials.

The viral statement, circulated by a verified Facebook account bearing the defender’s name, alleged that she had been omitted from the squad by “certain corrupt officials” after refusing to offer something in exchange for a call-up.

Part of the post read, “I have just been excluded from the squad for the upcoming WAFCON. By certain corrupt officials who demanded something from me that I could not and would never offer.”

It further stated, “If my talent, hard work, dedication and commitment to representing my country are not enough to earn my place in the team, then perhaps it is time for me to step back. This hurts deeply because wearing the national colours has always been an honour I never took for granted. But I can never go against my values just to earn a call-up. Never.”

However, Plumptre distanced herself from the post, describing it as false.

In a post shared on her Instagram Story on Tuesday, the defender warned fans that the verified Facebook account was not hers and urged them to report it.

She wrote, “This Facebook account is still causing problems … Please report. Crazy how it’s verified.”

The defender also reacted on her verified X account, where she flatly dismissed the claim, writing, “Not at all true…”

Plumptre’s clarification comes amid growing reactions on social media, where the viral post had sparked speculation over her omission from the Super Falcons squad for the continental tournament.

The defender has repeatedly warned supporters about fake Facebook accounts impersonating her. (PUNCH)

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