Nigeria, July 25 -- As the countdown to the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations gathers momentum, Super Falcons midfielder Toni Payne has sent a strong message to Nigeria's continental rivals: the defending champions are heading to Morocco with only one objective; to retain their crown.

For Payne, representing the Super Falcons comes with an unmistakable responsibility. Nigeria's unrivalled pedigree in African women's football means expectations are never negotiable, and the Inter Milan midfielder insists the team's identity as the "Giants of Africa" demands nothing less than another title-winning campaign.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with FIFPRO ahead of the tournament, Payne reflected on Nigeria's ambitions, the rapid growth of ...