Portland Thorns and Super Falcons right-back Nicole Payne has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in her right knee, ruling her out for the entire 2025 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season.
The injury occurred on February 16, 2025, during a Coachella Valley Invitational match against Angel City FC.
Payne’s club, Portland Thorns, confirmed her setback in an official statement, expressing their support and wishing her a speedy recovery.
The 24-year-old defender was among three Portland players ruled out for the season due to injury, alongside Marie Muller and Morgan Weaver.
Payne joined the Thorns in 2023 from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and featured in 19 games last season.
She has been a key part of the Super Falcons setup, playing alongside her sister, Toni Payne, at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco.
The duo made history as the first sisters to represent Nigeria in an international tournament.
Her absence is a significant blow to both Portland Thorns and the Super Falcons, especially with the upcoming 2025 WAFCON and the ongoing NWSL season approaching.
The post Nicole Payne Suffers ACL Injury; Out for the Season appeared first on Latest Sports News In Nigeria. Also read: Powered by Dotifi