Everton star pleased to end Nigeria goal drought in Senegal win

Nigeria and Everton star Toni Payne. Copyright: IMAGO

Nigeria and Everton midfielder Toni Payne has expressed her delight after finally scoring her first goal in five years for the Super Falcons, Soccernet.ng reports.

Payne fired home the winning goal just before halftime as Nigeria claimed a 2-1 victory over Senegal in an international friendly at the Remo Stars Sports Complex in Ikenne.

The match formed part of Nigeria and Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON). Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu used the occasion to assess a squad that blended experienced internationals with emerging talents.

Nigeria took control of the contest in the first half. The breakthrough arrived in the 31st minute when the Super Falcons were awarded a penalty after a handball inside the Senegal penalty area. Veteran striker Asisat Oshoala stepped forward and calmly converted the spot-kick to put the nine-time African champions ahead.

The Super Falcons doubled their advantage ten minutes later through Payne. The midfielder produced a composed finish after being picked out by an excellent pass from Shukurat Oladipo, giving Nigeria a comfortable 2-0 lead before the interval.

The goal was particularly significant for Payne, who had waited almost five years to net her second goal for the Super Falcons. The former Ajax and Sevilla attacking midfielder, despite becoming a regular figure in the national team setup, had failed to find the back of the net for Nigeria since 2021.

Speaking after the game, the 31-year-old could not hide her excitement.

“I’m happy to score (for the Falcons) after almost five years so just really good to do it here in Nigeria,” she said

Payne, who represented the United States at youth level before switching her international allegiance to Nigeria, has now made 46 appearances for the Super Falcons.

Soccer Nigeria hold firm against Senegal

The Super Falcons continued to push forward after the restart as they searched for a third goal. Madugu’s side created several openings and maintained control for long periods, but they were unable to add to their first-half tally.

Senegal, however, found a way back into the contest late on. In the 86th minute, Sokhna Nogaye struck from long range to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish in Ikenne.

The Teranga Lionesses pressed for an equaliser during the closing stages, but Nigeria remained organised defensively and held on to secure a deserved 2-1 victory.

The two teams will meet again at the Remo Stars Stadium on Monday, June 8, in the second match of their international friendly double-header.

Imhonlamhen

Imhonlamhen is a football writer and editor at Soccernet.ng with over six years’ experience shaping its editorial voice. A lifelong Arsenal and Super Eagles fan, he combines engineering precision with training in journalism and digital media. He has covered four AFCONs and two Women’s AFCON tournaments, specialising in Super Eagles history and tracking Nigerian players worldwide, while keeping a close eye on the NPFL and emerging homegrown talents.