Nigeria midfielder Toni Payne says the team are focused only on facing Canada in their Women’s World Cup Group B opener on Friday, putting aside payment issues in the face of a tough battle in the tournament’s Group of Death.
The Super Falcons clash with Olympic champions Canada at 04h30 CAT as they look to get a positive start in a pool that also includes co-hosts Australia and a very tough Republic of Ireland team.
Nigeria have an unresolved issues with their federation around player bonuses, but American-born Payne says that will go out of their minds at kick-off.
“Everyone should expect to see a super united team, one who is extremely strong, talented and ready to put up the best performance,” Payne told reporters on Thursday.
“In terms of equal pay, as female footballers we aim to have the best conditions possible, but for now in the tournament our focus is each game and to win.
“When the issue of equal pay in women’s football comes to the surface it can be difficult to focus at times, but as a team we know what we came here for and that is to play football and focus on the tournament. We are looking forward to play and to win.”
Nigeria have met Canada on three occasions since 2019, with two narrow defeats and a 2-2 draw in their previous fixture in April 2022. They also beat Canada at the 2011 World Cup.
“We have found it to be quite equal in the last few games we have played against them and I think it will be a very competitive game,” Payne said.
“When you are playing a team that wins championships (like Canada) it can be intimidating but we have confidence we will beat them.
“The team’s expectation is to always win and always get a win. We intend to be a defensively sound team as well, but also have a lot for the ball. We have our plan in place and will have a good attacking plan.”
Payne says they should be under no illusions that all games will be tough in the group, with only the top two sides advancing to the knockout rounds.
“It is the Group of Death; in my view it is the most equal group in terms of the quality of the teams in the tournament.”