Super Falcons forward, Toni Payne has revealed that her football journey has been heavily shaped by her family’s deep connection to the sport, especially the influence of her father, a coach and personal trainer in the United States.
Payne, who currently stars for Everton FC Women, shared insights into how football has been a unifying thread in her household, with both her siblings also playing the sport at high levels.
“My younger sister, Nicole, she’s played here in the Super Falcon, so I have a younger brother who is playing professionally in the U.S. and has played many years professionally in Portugal.”
She attributed much of the family’s sporting success to the dedication and vision of their father:
“I guess a lot of our success has come from our father. He is a coach and personal trainer for football back in the United States.”
“He grew up with a passion and a love for football and really wanted to instill it in us as his children and just the local, in our area where we grew up.”
“So I think we, you know, owe a lot of that to him.”
Toni’s younger sister, Nicole Payne, has also represented Nigeria at the senior level, while their brother has competed professionally both in Portugal and now in the U.S., rounding off what is arguably one of the most football-focused families in the diaspora.
Toni Payne has become a vital cog in the Super Falcons’ midfield, known for her intelligence on the ball, vision, and link-up play.
Her performances were key in Nigeria’s 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup campaign, and she remains a central figure as the team prepares for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
