Plumptre Says Injury Kept Her Out Of Falcons WAFCON Squad

Ashleigh Plumptre says injury recovery kept her out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, but she has urged Nigerians to back the Super Falcons as they defend their title in Morocco.

The defender was one of the major omissions from the 25-player list announced by head coach Justine Madugu. Her reaction adds a new layer to the squad announcement NaijaTrend covered here.

Plumptre said on X that her body needed more time and that she was listening. She said she was sad to miss the tournament but hopeful of returning to fight alongside the team when she is ready to compete again.

She also asked supporters to stand with the team during the tournament, writing that Nigerians should back the players in their push for another victory.

Daily Post reported that the 28-year-old is still recovering from a foot injury sustained while playing for Saudi club Al-Ittihad Ladies.

Plumptre featured for Nigeria at the 2022 WAFCON and was part of the Falcons team that won the 2024 title. Premium Times described her absence as one of the biggest talking points after Madugu released the squad.

Nigeria will play in Morocco as defending champions and will be chasing another continental title.

Sources: Premium Times, Daily Post