Super Falcons Star Toni Payne Completes Inter Milan Move Following Everton Departure

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Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has officially joined Inter Milan, completing a transfer to the Italian giants after ending her stay with Everton.

The experienced Nigerian international has signed a two-year contract, opening a fresh chapter in her European career as she prepares for both club football in Italy and international duty with Nigeria.

Inter Milan Announces Nigerian Midfielder’s Arrival

Inter Milan confirmed the signing through an official announcement, revealing that Antionette Oyedupe “Toni” Payne will remain with the club until June 30, 2028.

According to Gossip News Now, the Serie A side welcomed the versatile Nigerian player after concluding the agreement following her departure from the English Women’s Super League.

The club highlighted Payne’s extensive experience in European football and expressed confidence that she would strengthen the squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

Career Journey Across Europe

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, Toni Payne developed her football career alongside her sisters, Stephen and Nicole, both of whom have also represented Nigeria at international level.

Her professional career has taken her through several European clubs, including:

Ajax in the Netherlands.
Sevilla in Spain.
Everton in England.
Inter Milan in Italy.

During her six-year spell with Sevilla, Payne made 168 appearances and scored 30 goals, establishing herself as one of the club’s most dependable performers before moving to England.

International Career With Nigeria

Although she represented the United States at youth level, Toni Payne later committed her international future to Nigeria, making her senior debut for the Super Falcons in 2021.

Since then, she has become an important member of the national team, contributing her creativity, versatility and experience across several major competitions.

Her performances have helped strengthen Nigeria’s midfield while providing valuable attacking options in international tournaments.

Inter Milan’s Ambitious Project

The move also comes at an exciting period for Inter Milan Women, whose rapid development has attracted increasing attention across European football.

After establishing a senior women’s team in 2018, the club quickly progressed through Italian football and secured qualification for the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time following an impressive campaign.

Payne’s arrival is expected to further boost Inter’s ambitions as the club prepares to compete both domestically and in European competition.

Focus Turns to 2026 WAFCON

Following the completion of her transfer, Toni Payne will now shift attention to international football as she prepares for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.

The midfielder has been named in Nigeria’s 25-player squad for the tournament, marking another important milestone in her international career.

It will be her third appearance at the continental championship after featuring in previous editions, including Nigeria’s successful 2024 WAFCON campaign, where the Super Falcons secured a record-extending 10th African title.

Nigeria Set for Group C Challenge

At the upcoming tournament, the Super Falcons will compete in Group C alongside:

Malawi
Egypt
Zambia

All of Nigeria’s group-stage fixtures are scheduled to take place in Rabat between July 26 and August 16, with the team aiming to defend its continental dominance.

Analysis: Inter Move Could Elevate Payne’s Career

Joining Inter Milan represents another significant step in Toni Payne’s professional journey. Competing in Italy’s Serie A and the UEFA Women’s Champions League offers the Nigerian midfielder an opportunity to further develop her game at one of Europe’s rapidly growing clubs.

The timing of the transfer also provides an important confidence boost ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, where Payne is expected to play a key role as the Super Falcons pursue another continental title and continue their tradition as Africa’s most successful women’s national team.