Super Falcons star Toni Payne becomes first Nigerian to play for Everton Women

• Super Falcons versatile attacker Toni Payne has joined Women's Super League club Everton
• Payne moved to the English club after spending four years at La Liga Femino side Sevilla
• He becomes the latest Nigerian to play for the Merseyside, the most recent being Alex Iwobi

Barclays Women's Super League side Everton have announced the signing of Super Falcons forward Toni Payne. She has penned a three-year contract until 2027.

Payne was previously at Sevilla, where she spent six seasons with the La Liga Femino side. She played 169 times for the team and scored 30 goals, mostly from midfield.

Toni Payne duels for the ball with England's Kiera Walsh at the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Photo by Elsa.
Source: Getty Images

The US-born star joined Sevilla after one season with Ajax women, having played her Duke Devil's Women's team during her college soccer career in the United States.

Payne's first words as an Everton player

The 29-year-old spoke to Everton TV after completing her move, admitting it is a dream come true to play in the English league.

“I’m super excited to be an Everton player. It’s been my dream to play in the UK and in such a strong league like the WSL,” she said.“I’m excited to have the opportunity to play at a club like Everton with so much history in football. Now was the right moment for me to look for another challenge to push myself.“It’s going to be different and new, and I’m really happy about my decision,” she added.

Nigerians who have played for Everton

Payne is the first female Nigerian to play for the club, but eight male players have been on the club rosters, of whom only six made at least one appearance for the Toffees.

As noted by Transfermarkt, Hope Akpan was the first Nigerian to play for Everton, while Daniel Amokachi was the first to feature in the Premier League era.

Former Eagles captain Joseph Yobo made the most appearances for the Merseyside club with 259 appearances.

Asisat Oshoala arrives at Super Falcons' camp

Legit.ng reported that Asisat Oshoala arrived at Super Falcons' camp ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics after playing her last game for Bay FC before the tournament.

She joins other Super Falcons stars, including Toni Payne, to prepare for the team's first appearance at the Olympics since the Beijing 2008 tournament. The team lost its preparation game 1-0 to Canada.

Source: Legit.ng