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Former Alabama prep stars play in Olympic women’s soccer

Midfielder Toni Payne of Nigeria dribbles the ball during a match against Brazil during the Summer Olympics on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France.
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Two Oak Mountain High School alumni made their Olympic debuts in women’s soccer with Nigeria on Thursday.

Brazil defeated the Super Falcons 1-0 in a Group C opener at Stade de Bordeaux in Bordeaux, France, on the second day of competition at the Paris Olympics.

Toni Payne started in midfield for Nigeria. The former Birmingham prep standout got off one of the Super Falcons’ 15 shots and drew a foul during her 67 minutes on the pitch.

Her younger sister, Nicole Payne, subbed in as a defender in the 74th minute.

More stories on the Paris Olympics

With an assist from Marta, Gabi Nunes beat Nigerian goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie with a shot off the crossbar in the 37th minute for the game’s only goal.

In the other Group C match on Thursday, Spain defeated Japan 2-1 in an early showdown in the women’s soccer competition.

Nigeria plays Spain at noon CDT Sunday. The Super Falcons are appearing at the Olympics for the first time since 2008.

Toni Payne was the 2012 Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Soccer Player of the Year as she helped Oak Mountain win the AHSAA Class 6A championship before going to Duke.

Nicole Payne not only starred in soccer at Oak Mountain, she also was the 2019 Gatorade Alabama Girls’ Track and Field Athlete of the Year. That season, she won the 100-, 200- and 400-meter races at the AHSAA Class 7A outdoor track and field championships and set state records in the 200 and 400. She played collegiately at West Virginia and Southern Cal.

The Olympic competition takes a break on Friday for the opening ceremonies in Paris. The parade of nations starts at 12:30 p.m. CDT. NBC will televise the event.

Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at@AMarkG1.

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