Nigeria, France and Australia are on the same level, says Toni Payne

Nigeria international midfielder, Toni Payne has insisted that the team is currently on the same level as France and Australia despite their struggles.

The Super Falcons are the most successful team in Africa with eleven Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) titles to their name but the West Africans have been unable to replicate their dominance on the global stage since their best finish in 1999 when they reached the quarterfinals.

Nigeria have qualified for every edition of the Women’s World Cup,  France, and Australia have missed some editions, the world and FIFA rankings rated both France and Australia  above the African side, with Aussie ranked 10th in the world and France are fifth but Nigeria are 40th.

Nonetheless, Payne believes Nigeria is on par with her West African nation following the Super Falcons’ 8-1 victory against Queensland Lions in a friendly match in Brisbane

“We are on the same level as France and Australia, and we are very confident. With the players we have here, we are ready to fight,” Payne told NFF TV.

“We are growing and improving our system every day with every training. Step-by-step, we are getting ready for our first game against Canada.”