Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has departed Everton to sign a two-year contract with Inter Milan.
Inter confirmed the acquisition via a statement on their official website on Saturday.
“Internazionale Milano announces the addition of Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne to the Nerazzurri. The Nigerian forward, born in 1995, has signed a deal with the Club valid until June 30, 2028.
“Born on April 22, 1995, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne began her football journey as a child alongside her sisters Stephen and Nicole, both of whom she would later represent on the Nigerian national team.
“Her career as a forward commenced with an internship at Ajax, which took her to Europe in 2017. After spending a year in the Netherlands, she transferred to Sevilla, where she made 168 appearances and netted 30 goals from 2018 to 2024 before moving to Everton.
Following her stint with the U.S. U17 national team, Payne opted to represent Nigeria, making her debut in 2021.”
Payne has been included in the Super Falcons’ 25-player roster for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 26 to August 16.
Also Read: WAFCON 2026: Plumptre Laments Absence From Super Falcons Squad
This will mark her third WAFCON appearance after participating in the 2023 and 2024 tournaments, contributing to the Super Falcons’ victory in the latter.
The Super Falcons are placed in Group C alongside Malawi, Egypt, and Zambia, and will be based in Rabat for their matches.
Prior to the 2018–19 season, Inter only had women’s youth teams. On October 23, 2018, the club acquired the sporting rights from A.S.D. Femminile Inter Milano, establishing its first senior women’s team in over a century.
In their inaugural season in 2018–19 Serie B, Inter achieved promotion to Serie A, finishing with 64 points from 21 wins and just one draw.
In November 2023, the team transitioned to the historic Arena Civica, which previously hosted the men’s team from 1930 to 1947.
On April 19, 2025, Inter secured qualification for the UEFA Champions League for the 2025-2026 season for the first time, triumphing over Roma 3–0.
By James Agberebi
