WAFCON: Payne eyes back-to-back titles with Falcons in Morocco

Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne stated that Nigeria is aiming to win consecutive Women's Africa Cup of Nations titles in Morocco. As the defending champions and record holders, the team carries the expectation of retaining their crown, a sentiment Payne shared in an exclusive interview with FIFPRO.

Payne, who was part of the victorious 2024 squad, emphasized the significance of the tournament for African women's football and what another trophy would mean for the team. She noted the increasing caliber of talent across the continent, anticipating an exciting competition that also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup.

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We know all of the amazing, talented women that have come out of Africa. It is amazing football to watch. I think in Africa we play such a distinct type of football. It will be an exciting one because it is for qualifying for the World Cup.

"It is known that Nigeria has this reputation of being the Giants of Africa," Payne said. "Playing for the Super Falcons holds a lot of weight, and there is a bit of pressure that we win the WAFCON." The team's history as ten-time champions adds to this expectation.

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It is known that Nigeria has this reputation of being the Giants of Africa. Playing for the Super Falcons holds a lot of weight, and there is a bit of pressure that we win the WAFCON.

Nigeria will face strong opposition in Morocco from hosts, South Africa, Ghana, and Zambia, among other qualified nations. The expanded tournament's role in World Cup qualification raises the stakes for all participants. The Super Falcons' victory in the 2024 final against hosts Morocco was particularly meaningful for several players experiencing their first major international trophy.

With that success in mind, Payne and her teammates are focused on achieving a back-to-back title and extending Nigeria's dominance in the tournament. The Super Falcons, drawn in Group C with Zambia, Egypt, and Malawi, begin their title defense against Malawi on July 28 in Rabat.

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Winning it for that tenth time with that team was such a huge accomplishment for us. A lot of us, that was our first tournament, our first WAFCON, our first trophy. It meant so much to everyone on the team.