Payne, however, admitted she grew up with the dream of playing for the United States.
By Kehinde Okeowo
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Super Falcons midfielder, Toni Payne has said she does not regret her decision to snub the United States of America and play for Nigeria.
She made this known ahead of Nigeria’s quarter-final match against Zambia in the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Payne, who once played for Ajax, was born in Birmingham, Alabama in the United States to Nigerian parents.
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The 30-year-old represented the USA from U-17 to U-23 level but later opted to play for Nigeria at full international level.
She declared her intention to switch international career to Nigeria in 2019 and made her debut for the nine-time African champions two years later.
She has since then represented Nigeria at four international competitions including WAFCON, FIFA Women’s World Cup, and Olympic Games.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s WAFCON encounter, Payne said despite growing up with dreams of playing for the US,
she has no regrets switching allegiance to Nigeria.
She said, “Even though I did grow up with dreams of playing for the US, when I had the opportunity to play for Nigeria, it was almost a no-brainer and a no question for me. So, yeah, no regrets.”
