Toni Payne has expressed joy after finally ending her nearly five-year goal drought with the Super Falcons in Friday’s friendly victory over Senegal.
The tune-up match, played in Ikenne, Ogun State, ended 2-1 in favour of the Super Falcons, with goals from Asisat Oshoala and Payne.
Oshoala gave the Super Falcons the lead from the penalty spot before Payne doubled the advantage, sending the WAFCON champions into the break with a 2-0 lead.
Senegal managed to pull one back in the second half, but the Super Falcons held firm to secure the win.
Speaking after the match, Payne said in the post-match presser:”I’m happy to score (for the Falcons) after almost five years so just really good to do it here in Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, both sides are set to meet again in a second friendly on Monday at the same venue in Ikenne.
The matches are part of preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Falcons will defend their title.
Nigeria are in Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi.
The 2026 WAFCON also serves as the African qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, with the top four teams earning automatic qualification while two others will progress to the inter-confederation play-offs.