'We can compete with anyone' - Toni Payne evokes memories of Super Eagles shock win over Spain in Nantes

Speaking ahead of Nigeria's must-not-lose match against world champions Spain on Sunday, former Sevilla midfielder Toni Payne made it clear that the Super Falcons can go toe-to-toe with any national team in the world.  

Toni Payne's statements evoked memories of the Super Eagles' shock 3-2 win over Spain in their opening match of the 1998 World Cup at Stade de la Beaujoire, Nantes, venue of today's clash between La Roja and Super Falcons. 

The Super Eagles came twice from a goal down to beat Spain, with Mutiu Adepoju and Sunday Oliseh getting on the scoresheet. 

Nigeria must avoid losing today's game against the Spaniards to give themselves a chance of progressing to the knockout round, following a narrow 1-0 loss to Brazil in their opener. 

"We can compete with anyone. One of the things we work on most with Randy Waldrum is tactics, being organised, getting used to playing together, unifying everyone’s style," Payne told Spanish sports daily AS.

Despite what many people think, Payne argued that Aitana Bonmatí is not the most dangerous player on Spain's team and instead chose her Barcelona teammate Patri Guijarro.

"Many people will say Aitana and it is obvious that she is. I would say Patri Guijarro.

"She is very mobile, she is very good with the ball, she also surprises by getting into the area, she scores goals and we have to be very careful with her."

Toni Payne will be hoping to be named in the starting lineup against Spain, alongside her younger sister Nicole, who was impressive after coming off the bench against Brazil.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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