Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne is savoring every moment as she prepares to represent Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
In an interview with GoDuke the Magazine, the U.S.-born star, who has become a key player for the national team, sees this as the realization of a lifelong ambition and a chance to honor her Nigerian heritage on the global stage.
“Honestly, I feel really happy that I’m able to represent Nigeria,” Payne said. “When I was younger, I obviously grew up in the U.S. and I didn’t even think that this would be a possibility and now that it is, I’m just super excited.”
Payne, daughter of Nigerian parents, Oyeleke and Mojemilat, spoke passionately about her connection to her roots.
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“It feels really great to be able to represent my parents. You know, they’ve given me everything, they’ve helped me to start this career in football,” she added.
“To be able to represent them and obviously Nigeria is… it’s just an amazing feeling and I feel such a strong connection with the team.”
The midfielder highlighted the challenging road to Olympic qualification, emphasizing the team’s achievements.
“It was definitely a long journey having to beat Cameroon and also having to beat South Africa, two obviously really strong teams,” she said. “South Africa are the defending African champions, so that was definitely a tough game for us, but we were just happy to get the result.”
Payne also shared her joy at being selected for the final 18-player roster alongside her sister, Nicole. “Once you get the notification or you get the call from the coach, it’s obviously such a relief and such an amazing experience,” she said. “I am honestly really grateful to be able to be here and then also to be able to be here with my sister as well since we both made the roster. So this is definitely a special tournament for me.”
As the Super Falcons prepare for their Olympic campaign, Payne remains focused on the task at hand. “Just the fact that we’re there and we’re competing, you know, that’s all I really care about,” she said. However, she also acknowledged the unique nature of this Olympics: “I think this one in Paris is going to be quite unique. I don’t think that we as women’s football, and I don’t think men’s football either, there are going be very many games in Paris.”
Nigeria’s quest for Olympic glory begins today, July 25 against Brazil in Women’s Group C.
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