Super Falcons’ Nicole Payne joins PSG on three-year deal

Nicole Payne, the promising Super Falcons defender, has secured a spot in Paris Saint-Germain’s women’s team, committing to a three-year contract with the French club. The 22-year-old player, who is the younger sister of Toni Payne, a fellow Super Falcons squad member for the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, is set to embark on an exciting chapter of her career.

Announcing the significant addition to their roster, PSG shared the news on their Twitter handle, expressing their delight at welcoming Nicole Payne to the team. The Nigerian international defender is expected to bolster Les Rouge et Bleu’s defensive prowess and contribute to their ambitions in various competitions.

Nicole Payne gained valuable experience as part of the Super Falcons squad that finished fourth at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Her dedication and talent have earned her recognition on the international stage, leading to her senior debut for Nigeria in a friendly match against Jamaica on June 10, 2021.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama (USA), Payne’s football journey began with Concorde Fire, a club based in Atlanta, before her enrollment at the University of West Virginia in 2019. Playing three seasons for the “Montaineers,” she showcased her skills in 53 matches, netting four goals.

Continuing her football career alongside her studies in psychology, Payne moved to the University of Southern California in 2022. During her time there, she demonstrated exceptional performance on the field, participating in all the matches of the season, tallying up 16 games and three goals.

Before her involvement with the Super Falcons, Payne represented the USA at various youth levels, including U15, U16, U17, and U18 teams, showcasing her talent from a young age. Now, as she joins the prestigious ranks of Paris Saint-Germain, Nicole Payne is eager to make her mark on the European football stage and contribute to the club’s pursuit of success.