Super Falcons Star To Miss 2025 NWSL Season, Doubtful For WAFCON

Super Falcons Star To Miss 2025 NWSL Season, Doubtful For WAFCON

Sampson Adedeji

Portland Thorns have confirmed that Nigeria's Super Falcons defender, Nicole Payne, will miss the 2025 NWSL season due to injury, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The club announced on Thursday that Payne, along with two other players, have been placed on the Season-Ending Injury (SEI) list.

"Portland Thorns FC today announced that forward Morgan Weaver, defender Nicole Payne, and defender Marie Müller have been placed on the Season-Ending Injury (SEI) list. Each player is recovering from a knee injury, and the club remains fully committed to providing them with the world-class support and resources they need throughout their rehabilitation process," the statement read.

Payne’s injury also puts her participation in the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Morocco this July in serious doubt.