Paris 2024: Super Falcons duo Payne, Ajibade send warning to South Africa with goals in Spain

Super Falcons stars Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade. (Photo Credit: Pulse Sports collage)

Paris 2024: Super Falcons duo Payne, Ajibade send warning to South Africa with goals in Spain

Izuchukwu Akawor 19:32 - 30.03.2024

Rasheedat Ajibade and Toni Payne are in fine form ahead of the decisive Paris 2024 clash between the Super Falcons and South Africa.

The Super Falcons duo of Toni Payne and Rasheedat Ajibade have sent a strong message to their upcoming opponents, South Africa, ahead of the decisive final round of the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers.

Payne and Ajibade have been in impressive form for their respective clubs in Liga F, the top division of women's football in Spain, showcasing their goal-scoring ability after adding to their tallies this season.

Payne and Ajibade shine in Spain

Toni Payne, the 28-year-old midfielder, netted the final goal as Sevilla thrashed Real Sociedad 4-2 in their league match on Saturday. 

Payne, who was substituted in the 90th minute, has now scored six goals and provided three assists in 22 matches for Sevilla this season.

Toni Payne in action for Sevilla.
Toni Payne in action for Sevilla. (Photo Credit: Sevilla Femenino/X)

In Madrid, Ajibade was the heroine as she scored the only goal to inspire Atletico Madrid Femenino to a narrow 1-0 victory against Valencia. 

Ajibade's goal came in added time of the first half and was her fifth of the season for the club, with four assists in 22 matches.

The girl with the blue hair, Rasheedat Ajibade celebrates her goal.
The girl with the blue hair, Rasheedat Ajibade celebrates her goal. (Photo Credit: Atletico Madrid Femenino/X)

Both players have been included in the 22-woman squad released by Randy Waldrum, the coach of the Super Falcons, as reported by Pulse Sports Nigeria. 

The team is gearing up for the crucial clash against South Africa, with the first leg scheduled to take place at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Friday, 5 April, followed by the return fixture at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Tuesday, 9 April.

South Africa Women National Football Team |Pulsesports.ng
The Banyana Banyana defeated Tanzania to set up Nigeria's clash.

The impressive performances of Payne and Ajibade have undoubtedly sent a strong warning to their South African counterparts, as the Super Falcons look to secure a spot in the 2024 Paris Olympics. 

With their goal-scoring prowess and experience, the duo will be crucial in the team's quest for success in the upcoming qualifiers.

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