Nigeria defender Oluwatosin Demehin joins Benfica on three-year contract

Nigeria international and Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin has completed her move to Portuguese champions Benfica, signing a three-year contract after leaving Turkish club Galatasaray.

The 24-year-old centre-back becomes the latest addition to Benfica’s squad after ending her spell with the Istanbul-based club. Benfica are six-time Portuguese champions and Demehin says the move will provide her with the ideal platform to continue developing at the highest level.

“Benfica is the best club in Portugal and one of the best clubs in the world. Therefore, I know that being here, I can improve my performance,” Demehin told BTV.

The Nigeria defender also said she consulted Super Falcons team-mate Christy Ucheibe before agreeing to join Benfica. Ucheibe previously played for the Portuguese club and offered Demehin a positive assessment during a national team training camp.

“Before coming here, I spoke with her during the national team training camp. She told me many nice things about the club,” Demehin added.

Demehin, who has established herself as part of Nigeria’s senior international set-up, was also asked to identify the main qualities she brings to the pitch. She pointed to her work ethic, discipline and determination.

“I would describe myself as hardworking, disciplined and determined,” the defender said.

Her move to Benfica represents the latest stage of a career that began in Nigeria. Demehin started at Sunshine Queens before joining Rivers Angels, where her performances attracted attention from clubs outside the country.

The centre-back’s displays for the Port Harcourt-based side led to her first move to Europe in 2022, when she signed for French club Stade de Reims.

After two years in France, Demehin moved to Galatasaray in 2024. She has now brought her time in Turkey to an end and will continue her career with Benfica, one of Portugal’s leading clubs.

The defender’s arrival also gives her the chance to build on her experience in European football while working alongside a club familiar with her Super Falcons team-mate Ucheibe.

Demehin’s career has therefore taken her from Sunshine Queens and Rivers Angels to Stade de Reims, Galatasaray and now Benfica. Her three-year agreement in Portugal marks the beginning of a new chapter for the 24-year-old as she seeks further progress at club and international level.