Super Falcons defender leaves Galatasaray for Portuguese champions in major European move.
Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin has joined Portuguese women’s champions Benfica, signing a contract that will keep her at the club until 2029.
The 24-year-old Nigerian centre-back was announced as a Benfica player on Monday following her departure from Turkish side Galatasaray.
Demehin spent two seasons with Galatasaray before making the switch to Portugal, where she will now continue her European career with one of the leading clubs in women’s football.
The Nigerian international expressed her excitement about the move and said she believes joining Benfica will help her take another step forward in her development.
“Benfica is the best club in Portugal and one of the best clubs in the world. That’s why I know that, being here, I can improve my performance,” Demehin said.
Demehin sought Ucheibe’s advice
Before completing her move to Portugal, Demehin turned to fellow Super Falcons star Christy Ucheibe for advice.
The two Nigerians spoke during a national-team camp, with Ucheibe sharing her experience of playing for Benfica.
Ucheibe previously represented the Portuguese club, giving her first-hand knowledge of the team and its environment.
Demehin revealed that her compatriot had positive things to say about Benfica before she made the decision to join the club.
“Before coming here, I spoke with her during the National Team’s training camp. She told me many nice things about the Club,” the defender said.
Nigerian trio at Benfica
Demehin will not be the only Nigerian at Benfica Women.
The defender joins Janet Akekoromowei and Flourish Sabastine, who have also moved to the Portuguese club during the current transfer window.
Having fellow Nigerians around her could help Demehin settle into her new surroundings as she begins life in Portugal.
The move also represents another important stage in the defender’s growing career in Europe.
Demehin previously played in Nigeria before moving to France, where she represented Stade de Reims. She later joined Galatasaray in Turkey and spent two seasons with the club.
Super Falcons experience
Demehin has also become an established member of the Nigeria women’s national team.
The defender represented the Super Falcons at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was part of Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
She was also involved with the Nigerian team that won the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in 2025, adding continental success to her growing international experience.
Her combination of European club football and international experience will now be valuable to Benfica as the Portuguese champions prepare for the new campaign.
Demehin targets success in Portugal
The Nigerian defender arrives at Benfica with the opportunity to compete for major domestic honours while also gaining further experience at the European level.
For Demehin, the move provides another chance to develop her game and establish herself at a major European club.
The Super Falcons star will now turn her attention to settling into the Benfica squad and fighting for a regular place in the team’s defence.
Her move from Galatasaray to Benfica also strengthens the growing presence of Nigerian footballers in European women’s football.