Everton forward reveals how her dad raised three footballers, including two Super Falcons stars

Everton forward Toni Payne has spoken about the instrumental role her father played in shaping her football journey and that of her siblings, describing him as the backbone of their success in the sport.

Payne, who has become a key player for Nigeria’s senior women's national team, revealed that her father’s influence extended beyond the home and into their local community in the United States, where he worked as both a coach and a personal trainer for football.

"My younger sister Nicole, she's played here in the Super Falcons," Payne said to Ademola Victor TV.

"And I also have a younger brother who is playing professionally in the US and has played many years professionally in Portugal.”

The 30-year-old emphasized the deep impact her father’s dedication had on all three siblings, who have each reached impressive heights in their football careers.

"I guess a lot of our success does come from our father, he is a coach and personal trainer for football um back in the United States," Payne noted.

Payne explained that her father’s passion for football was contagious, as he made it his mission to pass down his love for the game to his children.

"He grew up with a passion and a love for football and really wanted to instill it in us as his children and just the local in our area where we grew up,” she said.

Toni Payne currently plays for Everton in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and remains a central figure in the Nigerian national team setup. 

Her younger sister Nicole Payne, also a defender, has represented the Super Falcons in recent competitions. 

Their brother has had a professional career in both Portugal and the United States.

Wale Adejumo

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