The Moroccan Football Federation has lodged a formal protest with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), contesting Nigeria’s victory in the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final.
Morocco alleges that two Super Falcons stars — Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie — were ineligible to represent Nigeria at the tournament.
The protest, filed after Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 win over Morocco in Saturday’s final, centers on claims of “irregularities” in the nationality documentation and FIFA eligibility status of the two players.
Moroccan officials argue that the players’ switch of allegiance violated established international protocols.
Ashleigh Plumptre, who previously represented England at youth level, switched to Nigeria in 2021 after confirming her paternal Nigerian heritage.
Michelle Alozie, born in the United States to Nigerian parents, has also played for Nigeria in several competitions.
Despite the claims, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has strongly rejected Morocco’s petition, describing it as baseless and without merit.
“This protest is dead on arrival,” a senior NFF official told PLATFORM TIMES. “Both players underwent rigorous vetting and received FIFA clearance before donning the national colours.”
The development has reignited discussions over eligibility and dual nationality in African football, especially as more foreign-born players feature in continental tournaments.
CAF has yet to issue an official response to Morocco’s protest as of press time.
Nigeria’s win in the final secured the Super Falcons a record-extending 12th WAFCON title.
