Women’s World Cup: Toni Payne tips Nigeria to reach final after reaching last 16

By Saheed Afolabi

Nigeria midfielder, Toni Payne has tipped her team to reach the FIFA Women’s World Cup final.

After sealing a round of 16 tie for finishing in second position in group B with five points, the Falcons could face either Denmark or Sweden.

Payne said the Falcons had a game plan of getting a point against Republic of Ireland which they were able to achieve as she gave kudos to her teammates for making it possible.

However, the midfield general believes the players have to maintain their great performance if they want to reach the final of the mundial.

“Going into the game was to get a point so that we can qualify and we got that today,” Payne told NFF TV.

“I couldn’t do it without my teammates, we have got wonderful and hardworking players that work for each other to achieve our goals.

“If we play like how we are playing and if we improve on each game, I think we can go all the way to the final.

“We know this is going to be the group of death, we know it’s going to be hard but we never thought it will be impossible.”

The 11-time Africa champions made the continent proud to qualify from a tough group without tasting defeat.