“FIFA needs to involve its stakeholders, like the NWSLPA and NWSL, for an event like this to reach its potential. Otherwise, they are hamstringing women’s football yet again like they’ve done since time immemorial.”
The 23-year-old forward earned the prestigious award after delivering decisive goals in key matches, further cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most in-form attackers.
The Flamingos will be aiming for a strong first-leg performance in Pretoria as they seek to qualify for their seventh FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup appearance.
However, just when it seemed the game would end in a stalemate, Ogbonna delivered a last-gasp winner in the 90th minute, securing all three points for third-placed Besiktas.
Payne, who started the match, contributed to Everton’s defensive solidity, helping her side keep a clean sheet before being substituted in the 81st minute.
Reacting to the matchup, former Super Falcons assistant, coach Mansur Abdullahi is confident Nigeria will advance to the tournament, leveraging on the team’s strength and experience.
