Nigerian midfielder leaves Everton for Italian giants after signing contract until 2028.
Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has completed a move to Italian women’s football club Inter Women after signing a long-term contract with the Serie A Femminile side.
Inter Milan Women confirmed the arrival of the Nigerian international in an official announcement, revealing that Payne has agreed terms that will keep her at the club until June 30, 2028.
The Toni Payne Inter Women transfer comes as the Italian club continues to strengthen its squad ahead of the new season, with the experienced midfielder expected to add quality and versatility to the team.
Payne arrives at Inter after spending time with Women’s Super League side Everton, where she continued to build on an impressive European career that has seen her compete in some of the continent’s leading leagues.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, to Nigerian parents, the 31-year-old started her professional journey in Europe with Dutch giants Ajax in 2017 before moving to Spanish side Sevilla the following year.
Her time at Sevilla proved highly successful, with Payne becoming one of the club’s most influential players during her six-year spell between 2018 and 2024. She made 168 appearances and scored 30 goals for the Spanish club before moving to Everton.
The Nigerian midfielder Toni Payne career journey in Europe has also included a significant international transition. Despite representing the United States at youth level, Payne later chose to represent Nigeria and made her senior Super Falcons debut in 2021.
Since switching allegiance, she has become a regular figure in Nigeria’s national team setup, featuring in several major international tournaments and contributing her experience to the squad.
Her move to Inter Women comes at an important time, shortly after Super Falcons head coach Justine Madugu included her in Nigeria’s 25-player squad for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The tournament is scheduled to take place from July 25 to August 16, with Payne expected to play a key role as Nigeria aim to continue their dominance in African women’s football.
With her combination of technical ability, European experience and international pedigree, Toni Payne joining Inter Milan Women represents another major milestone in the career of one of Nigeria’s most established female footballers.