Toni Payne bags fourth assist to help Sevilla edge Villarreal

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria forward, Toni Payne, played a crucial role during her Spanish side, Sevilla FC’s 2-1 victory against Villarreal away from home on Sunday.

The hosts started the game strongly, forcing Sevilla’s goalkeeper into action early on.

Their efforts paid off three minutes into the second half when Jamaican Kayla Jay Mckenna headed home to give the hosts a deserved lead.

However, the lead lasted for only two minutes as Payne’s precise cross from the right wing found Inma Gabarro, who leveled the scoreline.

In the 73rd minute, Rose Otermin Abella converted from the spot for Sevilla after the referee awarded a penalty for a handball.

Payne played for 89 minutes before being replaced by Arola Aparicio after providing her fourth assist in the league this season.

She has also scored six goals in 24 league games for Sevilla.

Sevilla currently sits in fifth position with 39 points after 24 games.

Their next match will be against Levante on April 27, 2024.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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