The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has once again issued a passionate appeal to media organizations, journalists, and the general public to diligently verify news items found on social media and other public platforms before sharing or disseminating them further.
This renewed call follows the circulation of a fake news report on Tuesday, fabricated and shared on Facebook by a known internet fraudster.
The post falsely claimed that Super Falcons defender Ashley Plumptre had expressed disappointment over her supposed exclusion from the national squad for the upcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled for July 25th to August 16th in Morocco.
Ruth David, the NFF’s Director of Competitions, promptly debunked the story, stating:
This is completely false. Last year, Ashley Plumptre released a video categorically stating she is NOT on Facebook and that several individuals have been impersonating her. She has tried, without success, to have these fraudulent pages removed.
Nothing has changed—Ashley Plumptre remains absent from Facebook, and any statements from such accounts are fake.
Furthermore, the coach has not yet submitted any list of players for the Women’s AFCON, making the entire report baseless. The same individual previously spread similar falsehoods, alleging that striker Esther Okoronkwo made comparable claims, when in reality, Okoronkwo missed the Senegal friendlies due to injury.
We also recall a past incident where reports falsely claimed that Asisat Oshoala had retired from international football. We urge everyone to always verify news stories before sharing them. The proliferation of fake news is alarming, and it is vital for media practitioners to prioritize accuracy and credibility.
Ashley Plumptre herself addressed the false reports on Tuesday:
These are awful fake accounts. I’ve posted on my Instagram and X (Twitter) for people to report them. They’re using my identity to scam others. I’m currently reaching out to someone in Saudi Arabia to help take these accounts down—this has been ongoing for over a year.
President Federation Cup Semi-Finals Preview
In on-field action, FC Robo Queens of Lagos, who recently upset Rivers Angels in the quarterfinals, are set to face Heartland Queens of Owerri in the first semi-final of the President Federation Cup women’s competition at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Wednesday. Heartland Queens have earned their place in the last four by overcoming Dragon Fury Ladies, Ahudiyannem Queens, and Ibom Angels.
Robo Queens, based in Lagos, advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Rangers Women of Enugu, Remo Stars Ladies, and Rivers Angels—a result widely regarded as a major upset, leading many observers to tip the Lagos side for a spot in the final, scheduled for Saturday, July 11th, in Asaba.
The second semi-final pits Sunshine Queens of Akure against the highly-rated Nasarawa Amazons of Lafia at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu, with kick-off set for 4 pm. Nasarawa Amazons have long been a force in Nigerian women’s football, advancing to this stage after victories over Osklean FC, and tense penalty shootouts against FC Naija Ratels and Edo Queens. Sunshine Queens reached the semi-finals after seeing off Solo Wonders, Plateau United Queens, and edging Confluence Queens by a single goal in the quarterfinals.
