Super Eagles star Payne keen to start Everton career as Demehin quits Reims

Super Falcons winger, Toni Payne can’t wait to make her competitive debut for Everton.

Payne joined the Merseysideiders on a free transfer in June after severing ties with Spanish Iberdrola outfit, Sevilla.

The Nigerian made her first appearance for Everton in a friendly against Newcastle United last month.

The Toffees rounded up their pre-season campaign with a 0-0 draw against Liverpool last weekend.

Everton will begin the new season with a clash against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend.

Payne said she is looking forward to the game against the Seagulls.

“I’m always ready for the season to start! Now that it’s coming this weekend, I’m super excited,” she told the club website.

Elsewhere, Falcons defender Tosin Demehin has parted ways with French outfits D’Arkema side Stade de Reims after just two seasons at the club.

Demehin disclosed on her social media, expressing her gratitude to the club and their supporters.

“After amazing years and seasons in Reims, I want to thank everyone for the opportunity to share and be part of those moments with you,” she wrote on her X handle.

“I want to thank the president, coaches, club staff, medical teams, and especially my teammates who have become family for the belief and hard work that resulted in an unforgettable championship.

“To the fans, thank you for the support through difficult and simple times. Reims is a special place, and now I understand what Remoises means. I wish everyone another successful and amazing season, Allér Rouge. Merci beaucoup pour tout @stadedereims.”

The 22-year-old joined Reims from Rivers Angels in 2022.

In her two-year spell with Reims, the Falcons star made 26 appearances, 11 of which were in the last season, where she scored one goal.

Demehin’s impact on European football began after captaining Nigeria to the quarterfinals of the U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica.

Her impressive performances attracted interest from multiple European clubs, but she ultimately signed for Reims alongside her Nigeria teammate Rofiat Imuran.

Since then, Demehin has been an integral part of the Super Falcons squad, starting in all of Nigeria’s games at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and this summer’s Paris Olympics