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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.