Midfielder Toni Payne is bracing up for the crunch WAFCON quarterfinal match between Nigeria and Zambia this Friday, and has talked up the ability of their opponent, identifying the biggest threat in the team.
Payne has earned 24 caps for Nigeria and making a second appearance in the WAFCON since opting to represent the Country in 2019.
So far in Morocco, the Everton Ladies forward started Nigeria’s opening two group games, as the Super Falcons swiftly booked their place in the knockout rounds of the competitions.
Expectedly, Justin Madugu’s side were expected to dominate their group, however, the team has struggled in front goal and go into the match against Zambia needing a perfect performance, Payne hinted.
Speaking ahead of the game, Payne described Zambia as a good team, but identified Barbra Banda; their inspirational captain, as the biggest threat.
‘Zambia is a very strong team, they have really strong attackers; Barbra Banda. they have a very strong team. We respect every team we play against, but we are confident,’ Payne told Brila.net.
Banda has been in scintillating form this season, and she has already bagged three goals in this tournament.
Payne believes the Super Falcons will need to pay extra attention to the African Women’s Player of the year.
She insists the Nigerian team is poised and ready to march on in the competition and their date against Zambia at the Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca will see reinvigorated Super Falcons.
