“I’m happy” – Super Falcons midfielder reacts to Barclays WSL Player of the Month nomination

Obi Donald

6 hours ago

Super Falcons and Everton Women midfielder, Toni Payne, was delighted to be nominated for the Barclays WSL February Player of the Month Award, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 29-year-old joined the Merseysiders from Sevilla last summer, and after a tough start to life in England, is finding her feet with Everton.

Payne’s Everton are currently 8th on the WSL table, but her three assists in February saw her nominated for the Player of the Month alongside Arsenal’s Caldentey and Frida Maanum, Everton’s Kelly Gago and Manchester United’s Elisabeth Terland.

2nd February 2025 Toni Payne shoots at goal during the warm up. Everton v Leicester City, WSL, Walton Hall Park, Liverpool, England. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

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“It definitely feels good. You know, it’s my first time in the league and the WSL. I definitely knew it was going to be a struggle in the beginning, but I think I’m finally catching my stride here.

“I’m happy. I’m excited to face Arsenal [on Friday]. You know, they’re a great team. They’ve got amazing players, but I think we’re getting our confidence here and there, especially with the performance we put up against Chelsea.

“I think we can only go up, and I just hope that we’re ready for it, and, hopefully, get something out of it,” the former Sevilla midfielder said in an interview with the club’s official website.

Toni Payne on the ball during the FAWSL match between Everton Women and Liverpool Women at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England on 17 November 2024. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

imago1054010791 — Toni Payne on the ball during the FAWSL match between Everton Women and Liverpool Women at Goodison Park, Liverpool, England on 17 November 2024. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Payne featured in all of Nigeria’s three games at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Despite her brilliance, Randy Waldrum Super Falcons were unable to win a game in France.

Toni Payne of Nigeria during the Paris Olympics Women s Group C match between Spain and Nigeria at Stade de la Beaujoire on July 28, 2024 in Nantes, France. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

Everton are currently 10 points above the relegation spots in the WSL Barclays League but are out of contention for European spots as they’re 17 points behind Arsenal.