England: Nigerian defender earns promotion to Women’s Super League as Payne shines in Liverpool derby

It was a weekend to remember for Super Falcons duo Toni Payne and Rofiat Imuran as they played key roles in achieving season-defining results for their respective clubs in England, Footynaija.com reports.

In the Women’s Super League, Toni Payne came off the bench to inspire Everton to a 2-0 Merseyside Derby victory over Liverpool at Anfield. The Toffees had not tasted victory at the iconic stadium since 2023 but changed the narrative in style.

Everton took an early lead in the 7th minute through Dutch forward Katja Snoeijs, and it was Payne’s second-half brilliance that sealed the win.

Introduced in the 63rd minute for French forward Katia Gago, Payne made an immediate impact, delivering a perfectly weighted assist just six minutes later for Karen Holmgaard to fire home the second.

Toni Payne on adapting to the WSL and the boost in belief recent performances have given her side. pic.twitter.com/TWu6vOWTF0

— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) March 5, 2025

The win not only handed Everton bragging rights over their city rivals but also boosted their morale heading into the final match of the campaign.

Meanwhile, in the Women’s Championship, Rofiat Imuran celebrated promotion to the WSL with London City Lionesses following a tense 2-2 draw at second-placed Birmingham City.

Knowing a draw would be enough to confirm their place in the top flight, the Lionesses roared into a 2-0 lead early in the second half.

See you next season, @BarclaysWSL pic.twitter.com/VT0V4eLPFH

— London City Lionesses (@LC_Lionesses) May 4, 2025

But Birmingham hit back with goals from Emily van Egmond and Cho So-Hyun in the 63rd and 86th minutes respectively. Imuran and her teammates held their nerve to secure the crucial point.

The 20-year-old defender, who joined from French side Stade de Reims last summer, featured in 14 league matches this term — starting 11 — and played a crucial part in the club’s title-winning campaign.

A landmark moment for the club!

London City Lionesses owner Michele Kang — who also owns Washington Spirit and Lyon Féminin — celebrates her team’s promotion, as they become the only fully independent club in the WSL! pic.twitter.com/vcTiABJirK

— Sky Sports WSL (@SkySportsWSL) May 4, 2025

London City will now look to avoid the fate of Crystal Palace, who are returning to the Championship just one season after their own promotion.