Payne sisters, Toni and Nicole are thrilled to make history in Nigeria’s 4-0 victory against the Swallows of Burundi on Sunday night, reports Completesports.com.
The duo started the Group C encounter at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Rabat.
That makes Toni and Nicole the first siblings to start for the Super Falcons in tournament history.
Read Also: WAFCON 2022: Super Falcons Arrive Casablanca For Cameroon Clash
The pair, who were born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America represented the country at youth level but later switched international allegiance.
Toni, who plays for Spanish club, Sevilla has played every minutes of Super Falcons’ three games in Morocco.
She played in central midfield in the first game against South Africa, left-back in the win versus Botswana and was deployed as a right-back on Sunday.
Read Also: 2022 WAFCON: ‘I’m Delighted To Have Scored In My First Debut’ –Efih
Nicole started her first game at WAFCON 2022 against the Burundians featuring at left-back.
“I am really excited. To represent Nigeria with my sister is a dream come true. We feel really proud and blessed to be in this position,” Nicole, the younger of the siblings, told ESPN.
8 Comments
Thanks ladies. ⭐️ stars you limit
T. PAYNE and N. PAYNE in the building!
They’re both so versatile. Toni can play in left back, right back, left wing back, right wing back, left wing, right wing, midfield, and attack.
Nicole also plays as a forward and in defense for her college team. She can play every position Toni plays too.
Additionally, Nicole is also a track athlete. Good at 100m, 200m and 400m.
Evidence of her foot speed was on display against Burundi. Running up and down the left flank with ease.
Nicole and Toni should start against Cameroon.Alozie should be benched.
Like I said after our game against South Africa,the team will pick itself as the team progresses in the competition and that’s what we are experiencing at the moment.
The coach got his personnel wrong in the first game,he went for experience tested and trusted,after the below par performance he went for youth and power with a couple of experienced players and we could see the difference.
That was why I asked forum members to be patient with the coach.
This team has not peaked yet,from the knockout stages the team will play at a much higher level.
I like the team that started against Burundi,in my opinion they shouldn’t alter the selection I do not see need for that.The midfield has a youthful look coupled with speed,energy and efficiency.
If the coach must start Alozie on the right back then Ajibade should play as a centre forward our number 9 Onumonu should watch from the bench and used as impact sub.Uchenna Kanu must start after a strong showing against Burundi,I like her energy.Then versatile Toni Payne should play as the number 7.So a front three of Toni Payne,Ajibade and kanu.
The coach is doing a fantastic job,he needs time and tournament like this which has helped to identify his best legs.Im confident should we meet South Africa again it won’t be business as usual.
The lose in our opening game is indeed a blessing in disguise.
Good-luck super falcons.
If there’s anything that doesn’t need a change then it’s the midfield. The midfield trio of Ngozi okobi,Peace Efih who debuted and Ucheibe should remain. The Cameroonians are expected to be physical so it’ll be a bad call to start Chikwelu or Ayinde..They won’t win midfield duels
It’s kinda tricky at Central defense as Ohale and Ebi connected well.Ashleigh Plumptre is fit and Waldrum might be tempted to play her
At right back Alozie should be recalled,there’s a reason she was rested. Toni Payne as the left back,this time Nicole Payne should sit out
@Greenturf you mentioned Onumonu being dropped,she’s the most physical striker we have and one of the strongest,she makes good runs,only thing left is her finishing. Starting Ajibade at Center forward might be catastrophic.she’s creative and loves to have the ball at her feet, she’ll be more dangerous and effective on the wings, She won’t have great impact at center forward
Coach Waldrum might want to bring Ordega in as the left wing forward, it’ll be harsh on Uchenna Kanu who was impressive against Burundi, but I won’t be surprised if Ordega starts at LWF. Personally I’ll prefer we retain the strike force we used Vs Burundi
Kanu- Onumonu- Ajibade.
I feel proud and excited watching these 2 sisters marauding on the pitch, hustling, bustling and harrowing opposition attackers and defenders alike complete with skillatchi to boot!
Omo Long live Nigeria!
COYSE!!
Long live Nigeria jare. We no go go Qatar, make we kuku enjoy wetin left for ground. Lolzzzz.
The good thing is that Self made shoemaker has left this platform. The curse placed on him was very strong. Also, Ghana’s Black Yansh Queens are watching proceedings from thier husbands kitchens. Lolzzzz. When next selfmade plumber comes to this earth, he will keep away from Nigerian football.