- Super Falcons fullback, resumes training after nine months out with a cruciate ligament injury sustained in February 2025.
- The former USA youth international return has fueled hopes of a comeback for both Portland Thorns and the Super Falcons.
Super Falcons fullback Nicole Payne has been pictured training with her Portland Thorns teammates for the first time in nine months, sparking hopes of a potential return to action following a lengthy injury absence.
The 24-year-old suffered a cruciate ligament injury to her right knee during a Coach Valley Invitational pre-season tournament match against Angel City FC on February 16, 2025, ruling her out of the remainder of the season.
The injury prompted her absence from the Super Falcons squad for the delayed 2024 WAFCON, featuring last for her country at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
Although the extent of her recovery is yet to be made clear by the club, she may look to be in a race against time to be fit for the Thorns ahead of their NWSL clash with Houston Dash on the 2nd of November.
day by day getting back to play 🥹
— Portland Thorns FC (@ThornsFC) October 23, 2025
keep going Nicole, Marie, and Caiya! We’ll see you on the pitch soon ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u75hcyinik
Nicole joined the NWSL club initially on loan from Paris Saint-Germain before securing a permanent transfer in a deal keeping her at the club through 2025.
The talented defender played a pivotal role in Portland's defence last year, notching 19 appearances in her debut NWSL season with the Thorns.
Her collegiate career saw her excel at West Virginia University and the University of Southern California, helping both institutions secure NCAA Division I Tournament appearances.
Nicole who is the younger sister of Everton and Super Falcon lynchpin Toni Payne, made her Nigeria debut in June 2021 and has since accumulated 10 caps, including a couple of appearances at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
Ejim Kaycee
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