Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has left Spanish side Sevilla after six seasons at the club.
Via their official X (formerly known as Twitter) account, the club bid the midfielder goodbye and thanked her for her services to the team.
Two days ago, the Spanish side announced the signing of Nigerian winger Chidera Ejuke for their men’s team but have now parted ways with another Nigerian player.
Payne joined the Spanish side in 2018 from Dutch club AFC Ajax. She initially extended her contract until 2021, followed by another extension before both parties decided to part ways.
Payne bids Sevilla goodbye after six years
During her time with Sevilla, Payne scored 30 goals and provided 21 assists in 182 games across all competitions. This season, she played in 30 matches, scored six goals from a midfield position, and added four assists.
The 29-year-old had previously represented the United States at the U17 level but switched allegiance to Nigeria in 2019. However, she had to wait two years to make her debut.
Toni Payne's Super Falcons adventure
Her debut would eventually come against Russian side CSKA Moscow at the Turkish Women’s Cup in 2021, before making her full international debut three days later against Uzbekistan Women's national team.
Payne was ever-present in the Super Falcons‘ run to a Round of 16 finish at the last FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
She is expected to be part of the Super Falcons team for the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where Nigeria is grouped alongside world champions Spain, Brazil, and Japan.
Payne's departure from Sevilla marks the end of an era for the midfielder, who has been a key player for the club.
Her performances have earned her a reputation as a reliable and dynamic midfielder, both at the club and international level with the Super Falcons.
