Nigeria Players Abroad
Toni Payne braces up for Banyana Banyana clash with Sevilla winner against Real Sociedad
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Nigeria forward, Toni Payne scored one of Sevilla FC’s four goals during a 4-2 success against Real Sociedad in the Spanish women’s football top-flight match on Saturday.
The hosts, Sevilla raced to a two-goal lead courtesy of Eva Llamas and an own goal by Olatz Santana in the 25th minute at the Estadio Jesus Navas.
Cristina Gutierrez increased the lead to three in the 34th minute for Sevilla which seemed to be coasting home.
Emma Ramirez reduced the deficit for the travelers in the additional minutes of the first half.
20 minutes into the second half, Sanni Franssi served up an exciting final 25 minutes as she made it 3-2.
Payne silenced the hope of the visitors with the fourth goal in the 85th minute off Arola Aparicio’s assist.
The Super Falcons star saw 95 minutes of action and was replaced by Alba Cerrato.
She has scored six goals with three assists after 22 league games for Sevilla.
On Friday, she is expected to play a pivotal role for the Super Falcons against Banyana Banyana in the first leg of Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifiers.
Sevilla FC occupy the sixth position on the log with 36 points after 22 games.
They will next face Eibar away from home on April 13, 2024, after the international break.
