Toni Payne sets Super Falcons’ sights on back-to-back WAFCON glory
Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has expressed the team's determination to retain their title at the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. Despite the pressure of being the continent's most successful team, Payne remains focused on Nigeria's goal of securing back-to-back championships.
Why it matters
The growth of women's football in Africa is reflected in the increasing competitiveness of the WAFCON tournament and the high expectations placed on established powerhouses like Nigeria.
As the countdown to the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations gat hers momentum, Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has sent a strong message to Nigeria’s continental rivals: the defending champions are heading to Morocco with only one objective; to retain their crown.
For Payne, representing the Super Falcons comes with an unmistakable responsibility. Nigeria’s unrivalled pedigree in African women’s football means expectations are never negotiable, and the Inter Milan midfielder insists the team’s identity as the “Giants of Africa” demands nothing less than another title-winning campaign.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FIFPRO ahead of the tournament, Payne reflected on Nigeria’s ambitions, the rapid growth of women’s football across Africa, and why defending the WAFCON title has become a mission for the reigning champions.
Nigeria enter the tournament as defending champions and the most successful nation in the competition’s history, having won a record 10 continental titles.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in