Payne Reflects On Season Ending Injury in 2025 NWSL Season 

Nigeria defender, Nicole Payne has reflected on the injury that saw her ruled out of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) 2025 season with Portland Thorns as she bids farewell to the club.

Payne sustained her season-ending injury, a right ACL tear, on February 16 during the Portland Thorns’ preseason friendly match against Angel City FC at the Coachella Valley Invitational.

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The 24-year-old defender took to her Instagram page on Tuesday to appreciate the club and its fans for their support during her trying time..

“Season ending injuries are the worst and so are goodbyes!!

To my teammates, coaches, and staff- thank you for making a difficult year a little lighter with your endless energy, support, and smiles each day. I would not be the person and player I am today without you all, and I’m so grateful to have gone through this season of change with you all by my side.

To the best nwsl fans- you all have welcomed me to your city with open arms and I am so happy to have represented this club as a thorn. the presence of all 21,000 of you is surreal and you all have my heart!

Thank You Portland”

The injury caused her to miss out on the Nigeria senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons’, triumphant Women’s African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) trophy won in Morocco.

Payne is now set to be on the market. The Portland Thorns released their end-of-season roster updates on Monday, December 1, 2025, which showed she is one of four players whose contract will expire before the 2026 season.