Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne is brimming with excitement as she looks ahead to Nigeria’s 2024 Olympics opener against Brazil.
Randy Waldrum’s team secured their first Olympics qualification since 2008 by defeating South Africa with an aggregate scoreline of 1-0 over a two-legged fixture.
Placed in Group C, Nigeria will face stiff competition from the reigning world champions, Spain, who are making their Olympics debut. Also, two-time Olympic silver medalists Brazil and London 2012 silver medalists Japan add to the formidable lineup of opponents.
Currently stationed in Seville, Spain in preparation for the Olympics, the Super Falcons are poised to commence their Olympic campaign against As Canarinhas (Brazil) on July 25.
Super Falcons Midfielder Toni Payne protects the ball
Nigeria’s performance at the Olympic Games has been lacklustre historically. The Super Falcons have managed just one victory in their previous nine appearances, suffering defeats in the remaining eight matches.
Payne: Super Falcons on par with Brazil
In a recent interview with NFF TV, the 29-year-old reflected on her previous World Cup experience and looked ahead to their meeting with Brazil.
Inside Falcons Camp: Toni feeling the Olympic Fever
“Playing at the World Cup was an amazing experience,” she said, “and being able to compete on the international stage with this team again is a good opportunity and I’m excited.
“Brazil is a tough team and talented, but as Nigeria, we are at their level and it’s going to be a good match.”
Brazil and Nigeria previously crossed paths at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Brazil secured a 3-1 victory over Nigeria. Cristiane’s hat-trick for the South Americans overturned an early lead by Perpetual Nkwocha, who scored from the spot in the 19th minute during their Group F encounter.
Following their defeat, Brazil proceeded to top the group, while the Super Falcons exited the competition without a win, having also suffered losses to Germany and North Korea.
Toni Payne’s international career with Nigeria
Born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, by Nigerian parents, Payne initially represented the USA at U-17, U-20, and U-23 levels before opting to switch allegiance to Nigeria in 2019.
Her debut for the Super Falcons came in February 2021 during a match against CSKA Moscow at the Turkish Women’s Cup. Payne went on to represent Nigeria at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, accumulating 14 appearances for the national team to date.
