Toni Payne insists that the Super Falcons are ready for the physical challenge of going up against Cameroon when both sides meet in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Falcons recovered from their disappointing 3-2 defeat to Malawi in the opening Group C fixture by beating Zambia and Egypt to secure their place in the knockout stages.
Cameroon, meanwhile, topped Group D after recording victories over Ghana and Mali alongside a draw against Cape Verde, setting up another heavyweight meeting between two of Africa’s most successful women’s football nations.
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Speaking at Saturday’s press conference, Payne acknowledged the physical nature of the Cameroonians but insisted Nigeria are ready for what awaits them at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca.
“We know it’s going to be a physical game but that’s something we have always prepared for,” Payne said in quotes revealed by Complete Sport.
“A lot of us have been playing football a long time and we know what it takes to win games.”
The Super Falcons have plenty of experience against Cameroon in the knockout stages of the WAFCON, having beaten the Indomitable Lionesses 1-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2022 edition.
Payne also stressed the confidence within the Nigerian camp, noting that reaching the knockout stages and keeping their hopes of qualifying for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup alive was one of the team’s objectives.
The midfielder further insisted that Nigeria’s hunger has not diminished despite their remarkable history in the competition.
“I don’t think anyone gets tired of winning. We can appreciate every accomplishment that we made, we are just as hungry and an opportunity to win an 11th title is what we are looking forward to.”
With a place in the semi-finals and an automatic World Cup ticket at stake, the Super Falcons will now look to turn their confidence into another victory when they face Cameroon on Sunday.
