Toni Payne Ends Five-Year Goal Drought for Falcons

Toni Payne celebrated the end of her five-year goal drought for the Super Falcons by scoring two goals in a 2-1 victory against Senegal during an international friendly held at Remo Star Sport Complex in Ikenne on Friday. Payne scored her first goal just four minutes before halftime, finishing a pass from Shukurat Oladipo.

She added a second goal shortly after the second half began, marking her return to scoring since her last goal in 2021. Asisat Oshoala opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 31st minute with a penalty after a handball in the Senegalese area.

Senegal's Sokhna Nogay pulled one back with a long-range effort in the 86th minute, but Nigeria held on for the win. Payne, born in Birmingham, Alabama, has represented the United States at youth levels before switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2019.

The Super Falcons are preparing for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations, where they will face Senegal again on June 8.