By Amaechi Agbo
Ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) due to start on July 25 in Morocco, Super Falcons forward, Toni Payne has officially joined Italian giants Inter Milan Women.
The official transfer was announced by FC Internazionale Milano on July 11, 2026, with the versatile forward/midfielder signing a contract that runs until June 30, 2028.
The Italian club welcomed Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne to Milano following her departure from English Women’s Super League (WSL) side Everton.
Payne’s move to Italy marks another major milestone in her glittering career. After a two-season stint in England with Everton, the creative powerhouse has opted for a fresh challenge in the Serie A Femminile. Inter Milan secured her signature to bolster their attacking options, viewing her experience and technical fluidness as vital for their league title aspirations.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, Payne initially represented the United States at the U-17 youth level before switching her allegiance to Nigeria. Her European club football career began in 2017 with Dutch giants Ajax. She truly made her mark in Spain with Sevilla, spending six highly successful years between 2018 and 2024.
During her time in Spain, she racked up 168 appearances and scored 30 goals, developing a reputation as an unpredictable and highly technical utility player before testing the waters in the English WSL.
Since making her senior international debut for the Nigerian national team in 2021, Payne has cemented herself as the “brain box” of the Super Falcons’ midfield and frontline. She played a pivotal role during Nigeria’s memorable run to the knockout stages of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, starting all four matches and logging 384 minutes on the pitch. Her unique ability to unlock defenses with precise through-balls and carry possession efficiently makes her an invaluable asset for both club and country.
She was on Friday named among the 23 woman-squad for the Super Falcons as they aim to defend their 2024 WAFOCN title in Morocco.
