Toni Payne finally had a moment she had been waiting almost five years for after helping Nigeria’s Super Falcons defeat Senegal 2-1 in an international friendly in Ikenne, Footynaija reports.
The Everton midfielder scored Nigeria’s second goal at the Remo Stars Sports Complex, finishing calmly just before half-time to put the hosts in control of a game that formed part of both teams’ preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria had taken the lead in the 31st minute when captain Asisat Oshoala converted a penalty after a Senegal defender handled the ball inside the box. Ten minutes later, Shukurat Oladipo split the visitors’ defence with a well-weighted pass, and Payne made no mistake with her finish to double the advantage.
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It proved to be a moment Payne would cherish. Despite becoming one of the Super Falcons’ most trusted players since switching allegiance from the United States to Nigeria, the 31-year-old former Ajax and Sevilla star had not scored for the national team since 2021.
After the match, her joy was clear.
“I’m happy to score (for the Falcons) after almost five years so just really good to do it here in Nigeria,” Payne said.
Nigeria remained the better side after the break and created opportunities to extend their lead, but Senegal stayed in the contest. The Teranga Lionesses made the closing minutes nervous when Sokhna Nogaye struck from long range in the 86th minute.
However, Justin Madugu’s side held firm defensively to secure a deserved victory. The result gives the ten-time African champions another positive step in their WAFCON preparations before they face Senegal again in the second friendly on June 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium.
