Super Falcons defender Ashleigh Plumptre has dismissed viral reports claiming that she intends to stop representing Nigeria, describing the allegations as completely false and the handiwork of online fraudsters impersonating her on social media.
The defender, who has become one of the most admired figures in the Nigerian women’s national team, clarified that she never made any statement suggesting she would quit international football due to alleged demands or treatment by football officials.
Plumptre explained that the claims originated from a fake Facebook account created by individuals seeking to deceive the public and exploit her growing popularity among Nigerian football fans.
According to her, the impersonators have not only been spreading misinformation but have also been soliciting money from unsuspecting Nigerians while pretending to be her.
“The statements circulating online did not come from me,” she stressed, urging fans and members of the public to disregard any messages or requests emanating from the fraudulent account.
The defender further stated that she has never asked anyone for financial assistance, donations, gifts or monetary contributions through social media platforms.
She warned supporters to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of online accounts before engaging with individuals claiming to represent her.
Plumptre revealed that the matter has been reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities, who have commenced efforts to identify and prosecute those behind the impersonation.
She added that steps are also being taken with the relevant social media platform to have the fake Facebook account removed in order to prevent further misinformation and financial scams.
The Leicester-born defender reiterated her commitment to the Super Falcons and expressed appreciation to Nigerian fans for their continued support throughout her international career.
Since making her debut for Nigeria, Plumptre has established herself as a key member of the Super Falcons squad, earning widespread admiration for her performances, professionalism and dedication to the national team.
She urged fans to rely only on her verified social media accounts and official communication channels for authentic information regarding her career and personal activities.
The football star also encouraged the public to remain vigilant against cybercriminals who increasingly exploit the identities of celebrities and public figures to spread false information and defraud innocent people.
Her clarification comes amid growing concern over the rise of online impersonation scams, with fraudsters using fake social media profiles to deceive followers and solicit funds under false pretences.
