Inter Milan Feminine of Italy new signing, Antionette Oyedupe (Toni) Payne has opined that knowing that spots are at stake for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup will make this year’s African championship more exciting and tougher than any other before it.
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Sports247 reports that, while acknowledging that all teams will play with added determination in all matches at this year’s Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON 2026), the enterprising forward, who was born in United States of America, expressed strong confidence in the ability of Nigeria to win an 11th title.
Payne, who previously played for Ajax of Amsterdam, Sevilla of Spain and Everton of England, admitted that the quality of women’s football has skyrocketted in Africa over the years, but stressed that the Super Falcons are in Morocco with a target to defend the title they won at the same venue last year.
The former USA cadet national team player, who got her Nigeria debut on February 18th, 2021 against CSKA Moscow FC of Russia in the Turkish Cup and first full cap two days later versus Uzbekistan, was part of the Falcons’ squad that lifted the WAFCON 2024 trophy.
She recalled the pleasure of winning the African title, especially in maintaining their team’s status and added: “It is known that Nigeria has this reputation of being the Giants of Africa. Playing for the Super Falcons holds a lot of weight.
“There is a bit of pressure that we must win the WAFCON. Winning it for that tenth time with that team was such a huge accomplishment for us. A lot of us, that was our first WAFCON, our first trophy. It meant so much to everyone on the team.
“We know all of the amazing, talented women that have come out of Africa. It will be an exciting one because it is for qualifying for the World Cup. It is amazing football to watch. I think in Africa we play such a distinct type of football.”
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