Super Falcons star Toni Payne has reaffirmed her decision to represent Nigeria over the United States, declaring that she has no regrets about her international allegiance switch, Footynaija.com reports.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, the 30-year-old midfielder was part of the United States youth system, featuring at the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship and winning the title.
However, in 2019, she opted to represent Nigeria at senior level and has since become a regular fixture in the Super Falcons midfield.
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“Even though I did grow up with dreams of playing for the US, when I had the opportunity to play for Nigeria, it was almost a no-brainer and a no question for me. So, yeah, no regrets,” Payne said in a report by Daily Post Nigeria.
Payne made her debut for Nigeria in 2021 and has now earned over 24 caps. She played a key role in Nigeria’s journey to the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and featured in all three group matches at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Her experience and consistency saw her named in the squad for the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
As revealed in the report, Payne expressed pride in being part of a Nigerian side pushing for a record-extending tenth WAFCON title under coach Justin Madugu.
At club level, Payne currently plays for Everton Women in the English Women’s Super League, having joined from Sevilla in July 2024. She has made 17 appearances and contributed one goal and three assists so far, earning a Player of the Month nomination earlier this year.
