Ashleigh Plumptre says she is disappointed after being left out of Nigeria’s 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Head coach Justine Madugu announces the squad, with Plumptre among the notable absentees. According to reports, Plumptre’s omission is linked to recent foot problems. She is said to have undergone March medical intervention and later faced foot surgery setbacks, which affect her availability for the tournament.
While the squad is published by the coaching staff, Plumptre’s comments focus on her fitness status and the impact of her injury and recovery on her ability to join the team. The reports describe her as a defender and an experienced option whose absence leaves a gap in the Super Falcons’ defensive setup ahead of WAFCON 2026. Both outlets attribute her non-selection to medical reasons related to the foot injury and recovery timeline, rather than to tactical or disciplinary grounds.
