By Samuel Nobleman Osasenaga
Paris Saint-Germain Feminines have announced the signing of Super Falcons Defender Nicole Oyeyemisi Payne on a 3-year deal.
The Nigeria International joins the Rouge et Bleu Club for her first stint outside the United States having had spells at Concorde Fire and West Virginia Mountaineers.
Speaking to PSG TV for the First time after signing, she said it was a move she has always dreamed of.
“It’s something I’ve always dreamed of! I became a professional player when I was a teenager, and I’ve grown up playing football since I was four, so to experience a moment like this is very special. I’m grateful to be here.”
“I love this league, it’s very competitive. There are a lot of incredible players, especially at Paris Saint-Germain. I can’t wait to join them and be part of this team.”
“My goals are to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the league, but also to get on well with my teammates, the coach and the staff. I’m really happy to be here!” She further added.
The 22-year-old defender who was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama in the United States of America started her career in high school with the Oak Mountain Eagles before playing for Atlanta Based side Concorde Fire. She joined West Virginia University in 2019 and played three seasons with the West Virginia Mountaineers making 53 appearances and scoring 4 goals.
In 2022, the defender continued her career and her studies in psychology at the University of Southern California. She played in all the matches during the season, making a total of 16 appearances and scoring 3 goals.
The full-back featured for the USA from Under-15 to Under-18 age grade teams before being called up to the Nigerian Women National team in 2021 making her debut for Nigeria on 10 June 2021 as a 90th-minute substitution in a 0–1 friendly loss to Jamaica.
She has had 2 caps for the Nigeria women’s national team the Super Falcons although she was not called up by Nigeria for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.