As the Super Falcons of Nigeria brace for a demanding international stretch—beginning with today’s friendly against Cameroon and building toward the much-anticipated Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON)—forward Toni Payne has opened up about the deep-rooted family values that continue to fuel her footballing journey.

 

In an emotional pre-match reflection, the Everton winger revealed that football is more than just a sport in her household—it’s a shared language, a legacy passed down and nurtured with care.

 

“Football runs in our blood,” Payne said. “It’s something that connected us as a family from the very beginning.”

 

That connection is evident in her family’s unique footballing footprint. Her younger sister, Nicole Payne, has also donned the Super Falcons jersey, while their brother plies his trade professionally in the United States, following a stint in Portugal. At the heart of their rise stands their father—an Alabama-based football coach and personal trainer—whose hands-on approach laid the foundation for each of their professional paths.

 

“He’s always been involved in our training,” Toni explained. “He didn’t just build footballers—he built people who respect the sport and work hard for it.”

 

The Payne family’s football dream reached a memorable peak at the 2022 WAFCON, when Toni and Nicole made history as the first sisters to start together for Nigeria in a competitive fixture, contributing to a dominant 4–0 win over Burundi. For the family, it was the culmination of years of dedication, discipline, and shared belief.

 

Raised in Birmingham, Alabama, the siblings originally represented the United States at youth levels before making the bold decision to switch allegiance to Nigeria—a move they say was inspired by a desire to honor their heritage and contribute to the growth of African women’s football.

 

Since then, Toni Payne has become a key figure in the Super Falcons setup, recently joining Everton FC after several strong seasons in Spain with Sevilla. Nicole, meanwhile, signed with Paris Saint-Germain and is currently on loan at Portland Thorns FC in the NWSL.

 

Now, with Olympic qualification secured for the first time in 16 years, the Super Falcons are eyeing success on the global stage. Drawn into a tough group featuring Spain, Brazil, and Japan, Nigeria faces a steep challenge—but Payne believes the team’s mix of experience, talent, and unity gives them a fighting chance.

 

“We’re ready for whatever comes,” she said. “This team is focused, and I believe we have what it takes to surprise the world again.”

 

For Toni Payne, every game is more than just a contest—it’s a tribute to a family legacy built on hard work, shared sacrifice, and the belief that greatness starts at home. As Nigeria pushes forward, the Payne sisters stand not only as athletes, but as symbols of what’s possible when passion and purpose meet.