WAFCON 2026: Toni Payne Insists Super Falcons Remain Hungry For 11th Title Ahead Of Cameroon Clash
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria midfielder, Toni Payne has declared that the team are hungry to defend their title as they prepare to face Cameroon in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca on Sunday evening.
The defending champions, who have already lifted the continental trophy a record 10 times, view the match against the Indomitable Lionesses as another step towards both an 11th title and automatic qualification for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
“No one gets tired of winning. Even though the team has won it ten times, we appreciate every one of our accomplishments. We are just as hungry as ever, and lifting the trophy for the 11th time is something we are looking towards as well,” Payne said.
The Super Falcons endured a difficult group stage, opening with a shock defeat to Malawi before recovering with victories over Zambia and Egypt. Payne believes those setbacks have strengthened the squad for the knockout rounds.
“We can appreciate that we’ve had a bunch of challenges at the group stage and even before the tournament. Those challenges are what help you prepare for what comes in the future,” she added.
Payne, an experienced campaigner, expects a typically intense West African derby and insisted the team is ready for the physical battle that Cameroon will bring.
“It’s going to be a physical game against Cameroon, and that is something we are all prepared for. A lot of the players have been playing for a long time, so we know what it takes to engage in a game like this,” she said.
With confidence high across the camp, Payne confirmed the primary target remains securing a place at next year’s World Cup.
“Everyone in the team, including the officials, is very confident going into the game. Our goal is to qualify for the World Cup, and we are ready to continue until that is achieved.”
Nigeria and Cameroon meet at the Stade Larbi Zaouli, with the winner advancing to the semi-finals and claiming a direct ticket to Brazil 2027.
