Nicole Payne marks full Orlando Pride debut with first professional goal
Nigeria international Nicole Payne enjoyed a dream moment on Monday night as she scored her first professional goal on her full debut for Orlando Pride, sealing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over San Diego Wave in the NWSL.
The match at Snapdragon Stadium marked another major milestone in Payne’s remarkable comeback journey after spending 439 days sidelined with an ACL injury sustained in February 2025.
Having only recently returned to action earlier this month, the 25-year-old delivered the decisive moment just before half-time to hand Orlando Pride a crucial win and snap the club’s two-game losing streak.
After San Diego failed to properly clear a long ball, Payne reacted quickest outside the area. The former Paris Saint-Germain defender composed herself before unleashing a low strike into the bottom corner to score the winner and ignite emotional celebrations.
It was a moment that clearly meant everything to the Nigerian, who appeared visibly moved after finally getting her first professional goal following more than a year of rehabilitation and recovery.
Payne had initially returned to action on May 2, making a brief appearance in Orlando’s 4-2 defeat to Washington Spirit before featuring in the second half of their 3-1 loss to Denver Summit. But on her first start for the Pride, she delivered the perfect response.
The victory lifted Orlando Pride into eighth position, the final Championship playoff spot with one match left before the league pauses for the upcoming World Cup break.
Speaking after the match, Payne reflected on her long road back to football.
“It’s been a long time. It’s been over a year, so I didn’t really know how everything was going to play out,” she said.
The Super Falcons defender also credited her teammates and the club’s staff for helping her through one of the toughest periods of her career.
“A lot of it just goes to my teammates, the staff, everyone for believing in me and giving me the confidence to be able to come back and play confidently.”
Orlando Pride head coach Seb Hines was full of praise for Payne’s inspiring performance and match-winning contribution.
“I’m really pleased for her because it’s been quite a journey coming back from an ACL injury,” Hines said.
“Great goal and a great performance from her.”
Orlando Pride will return to action on Saturday, May 30, against Bay FC before the NWSL enters a month-long break for the upcoming Women’s World Cup.
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