Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has sparked controversy ahead of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) after alleging that her omission from the tournament squad was linked to her refusal to comply with demands she described as inappropriate from certain officials.

Plumptre, who has become one of the most recognisable members of the Super Falcons in recent years, made the allegation in comments circulating online, insisting her exclusion was not based purely on sporting considerations.

The Leicester City-born defender suggested she was sidelined after resisting pressure from individuals she referred to as “corrupt officials,” raising fresh concerns about transparency in the national team selection process.

Her claims have generated widespread reactions among fans and stakeholders, many of whom expressed surprise at her absence from the squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria is expected to mount a strong challenge.

Plumptre has been a key figure for the Super Falcons since switching her international allegiance to Nigeria and featured prominently in the team’s recent FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, earning praise for her defensive performances.

The allegations have also reignited longstanding debates around governance and possible interference in Nigerian football administration, with critics calling for greater transparency in team selection processes.As of the time of this report, the Nigeria Football Federation has not issued an official response to the claims.

With WAFCON approaching, the controversy adds an unexpected distraction to Nigeria’s preparations, with growing calls for clarification from relevant authorities to safeguard confidence in the integrity of the national team setup. (Guardian)