WAFCON 2022: Payne sisters thrilled, Ohale elated to win Woman of the Match award
Toni and Nicole became the first siblings to start for the Super Falcons in tournament history against the Swallows
The Payne sisters, Toni and Nicole are delighted to make history with Nigeria after they both started Sunday night’s 4-0 win against Burundi at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations.
Toni and Nicole became the first siblings to start for the Super Falcons in tournament history against the Swallows.
The pair, who were born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America represented the country at the youth level but later switched international allegiance.
Toni, who plays for the Spanish club, Sevilla has played every minute of Super Falcons’ three games in Morocco.
She played in central midfield in the first game against South Africa, left-back in the win versus Botswana and was deployed as a right-back on Sunday.
Nicole started her first game at WAFCON 2022 against the Burundians featuring at left-back.
“I am really excited. To represent Nigeria with my sister is a dream come true. We feel really proud and blessed to be in this position,” Nicole, the younger of the siblings, told ESPN.
Also, Super Falcons defender, Osinachi Ohale is on cloud nine after she was named Woman of the Match in the team’s emphatic 4-0 win against the Swallows of Burundi on Sunday night.
Ohale, who has played every minute of Super Falcons’ three games at the 2022 Africa Women’s Cup of Nations, put up a spirited display in the encounter.
The Alaves of Spain centre-back was picked ahead of her teammate, Rasheedat Ajibade, who scored a goal and provided an assist in the game.
Peace Efih and Mexico-based forward, Uchenna Kanu were also on target for the Super Falcons against the Swallows.
“This is the first time that I have ever received a Woman of the Match Award since I started playing for Nigeria in 2010 and it really feels so good,” Ohale told CAF Online.
“When I remember all the hard work that my teammates and I have put in, it makes me smile.”
The Super Falcons will take on the Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon in the quarter-finals on Thursday.
