AFCON 2025
Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has shared why she has a tattoo of the Nigerian map on her arm.
According to Payne, the map of Nigeria on her right arm represents her ties to her ethnicity in the West African country.
Payne, who was born in the United States of America, acknowledged that she didn’t always feel a connection to her Nigerian roots.
Payne explained the significance of the tattoo in an exclusive conversation with ESPN Africa.
That gap has been closed, though, by playing for the national team and traveling to Nigeria frequently.
The 29-year-old added that the tattoo is a statement of pride in her background and a permanent reminder of her heritage.
Payne firmly established her ties to Nigeria by displaying her Nigerian heritage through a tattoo.
Following a successful six-year career with Sevilla in Spain, Payne joined Everton in the England Women’s Super League this summer.
Payne has made 24 appearances for Nigeria and was instrumental for the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2024 Olympics.
