Player Profile: Toni Payne – The Super Falcons’ Attacking Midfielder Making Waves
| Full Name | Antionette Oyedupe Payne |
| Date of Birth | 22 April 1995 |
| Age | 28 years |
| Position | Attacking Midfielder |
| Nationality | American, Nigerian |
| Place of Birth | Birmingham, Alabama, United States |
| Height | 1.63 m |
| Weight | 56 kg |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Current Club | Sevilla FC Women’s Football Team |
Club Career
Toni Payne is an attacking midfielder who currently plays for Sevilla FC in La Liga, wearing the number 11 shirt. Her journey to becoming a key player for Sevilla has been marked by dedication and skill. Payne’s early football career started at the age of 18 when she joined the Duke Blue Devils Women’s soccer team at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, USA. After spending three successful years with the team from 2013 to 2016, she made a move to the Netherlands to join Ajax women’s team for the 2016/17 season. In 2018, Payne completed her transfer to Sevilla, where she established herself as a first-team player and has since scored 24 goals in 139 appearances for the Spanish club.
International Career
Toni Payne was eligible to play for either the United States or Nigeria due to her birth and Nigerian descent. She represented the United States in the under-17, under-20, and under-23 levels. Payne was part of the United States under-17 team that won the 2012 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship. However, she made a significant decision to switch her international football allegiance to Nigeria in 2019.
READ ALSO: Deborah Abiodun – Nigeria | Player Profile
Nigeria
In 2019, Toni Payne declared her intentions to represent Nigeria at the international level, and she has since become an integral part of the Nigeria women’s national football team, famously known as the Super Falcons. She made her debut for the Super Falcons against CSKA Moscow Women’s team at the Turkish Women’s Cup on 18th February 2021. The Super Falcons emerged victorious in the tournament, with Payne making a significant impact, scoring her first goal for the national team with a powerful strike from close range.
FIFA Women’s World Cup
Toni Payne is currently with the Super Falcons in Australia playing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup tournament, which is co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. She made her debut in the prestigious tournament against Canada on 21st July 2023, putting on an outstanding performance despite the game ending in a goalless draw.
Personal Background
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, USA, on April 22, 1995, Toni Payne comes from a Nigerian background. Her middle name, “Oyedupe,” is associated with the Yoruba tribe in Nigeria, suggesting that her father hails from this prominent tribe. Toni is also the elder sister of Stephen and Nicole Payne, both of whom are football players. Her sister, Nicole, notably plays for French Ligue 1 women’s side PSG.
Toni Payne has proven herself as a versatile and talented attacking midfielder, making a name for herself in both club and international football. Her decision to represent Nigeria showcases her commitment to her heritage and the desire to contribute to the growth and success of Nigerian women’s football. As she continues to excel for both Sevilla FC and the Super Falcons, football enthusiasts eagerly await more remarkable performances from this gifted and determined player.
