Nicole Payne joins NWSL side Portland Thorns on loan from PSG

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Nigeria defender, Nicole Payne has joined the United States of America (USA) National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) club, Portland Thorns.

Portland Thorns FC acquired the defender on a season-long loan from former French champions, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).

23-year-old Payne recently joined French side Paris Saint-Germain in July of 2023 and has since appeared in two matches for the Rouge et Bleu.

Payne earned her first start on January 20, of this year, helping the team to an 8-1 victory over FC Girondins de Bordeaux.

The American-born dual national rose to prominence on the international stage when she made her debut with the Nigeria Women’s National Team in June of 2021, against Jamaica.

She was part of the 2022 Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) roster, where she helped the Super Falcons to a fourth-place finish, alongside her elder sister and Sevilla star Toni Payne.

Overall, she has made seven appearances for Nigeria, starting twice. Before making the jump overseas, Payne played collegiately for the University of Southern California where she scored three goals in 16 matches, 15 of which were starts.

Before becoming a Trojan, she spent three years at West Virginia University where she recorded four goals and three assists in 53 matches while making two NCAA Tournament appearances.

Payne’s switch to the Thorns increased the number of Nigerian players in the NWSL to five.

Others are Ifeoma Onumonu (Utah Royals), Asisat Oshoala (Bay FC), Uchenna Kanu (Racing Louisville), and Michele Alozie (Houston Dash).