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OFFICIAL: Nicole Payne signs for Paris Saint-Germain
By Samuel Ahmadu
Nigeria defender, Nicole Payne, has signed a three-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain women’s team.
Having passed her medicals, the Super Falcons defender has completed her professional career switch for the first time in Europe following her graduation from joined West Virginia University earlier this year.
At the United States of America (USA) tertiary institution, Nicole played three seasons with the Montaineers, making 53 matches and scoring four goals.
Before suiting up for Nigeria twice at the senior level like her sister Toni in 2021, the young full-back had represented the USA at U15, U16, U17 and U18 level.
The 22-year-old, who took part in the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations World Cup in Canada, is excited for choosing Paris as her first overseas adventure.
“(Signing at Paris Saint-Germain), it’s something I’ve always dreamed of!,” she told the club website.
“Became a professional player as a teenager, grew up playing soccer since I was four, so having a moment like this is very special. I am very grateful to be here.”
In Morocco last year, Nicole alongside her sister Toni made history with Nigeria, becoming the first sisters to both start in a Women’s Africa Cup of Nations match for the Super Falcons.
Nicole becomes the second Nigeria player to suit up for PSG after Ngozi Ebere in 2015. She also will become the fifth Nigerian in the French D1 Arkema next season after Paris’ Chiamaka Nnadozie, Stade de Reims’ duo of Rofiat Imuran and Tosin Demehin and Saint Ettiene’s Regina Otu.
