Nicole Oyeyemisi Payne is a professional footballer who plays as a defender for NWSL club Portland Thorns on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Born in the United States, she represents the Nigeria national team.
Payne with the Portland Thorns in 2024
The Portland Thorns FC is an American professional women's soccer team based in Portland, Oregon. Established in 2012, the team began play in 2013 in the then-eight-team National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), which received support from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF).
The Thorns hired Cindy Parlow Cone as its first head coach in 2013
Four Thorns players who won the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup with the U.S. national team were recognized before the July 24, 2019, match against the Houston Dash.
Thorns players and staff celebrate winning the 2022 NWSL Championship at Audi Field.
The traveling Rose City Riveters at Seattle's Memorial Stadium in 2017.