By Dorcas Francis Koji
Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin has revealed that fellow Nigerian international Christy Ucheibe influenced her decision to join Portuguese champions Benfica.
Demehin recently completed her transfer from Turkish club Galatasaray to Benfica, signing a three-year contract with the Portuguese giants.
The 24-year-old centre-back becomes the third Nigerian player to join Benfica this summer, following the arrivals of forwards Janet Akekoromowei and Sebastian Flourish.
Demehin disclosed that she consulted Ucheibe, who previously spent four years at Benfica before moving to French giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2025.
The Super Falcons defender said Ucheibe spoke highly of her experience at the club during a Nigeria training camp, helping to convince her that Benfica was the right destination.
“Before coming here, I spoke with her during the national team training camp. She told me many nice things about the club,” Demehin told BTV.
Ucheibe’s four-year spell at Benfica gave Demehin valuable insight into the club’s culture, standards and expectations before making the move.
Demehin is now looking forward to using the opportunity to continue her development while competing at the highest level of women’s football.
“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,” she said.
The Nigerian defender also highlighted hard work, discipline and determination as the qualities she hopes to bring to Benfica.
“I would describe myself as hardworking, disciplined and determined,” she added.
Demehin also announced her arrival at Benfica on social media, expressing excitement about beginning a new chapter in her career.
Her move represents another important step in a European career that began after she impressed with Rivers Angels.
She started her career with Sunshine Queens before moving to Rivers Angels, where her performances earned her a move to Europe in 2022.
The defender spent two seasons with French side Stade de Reims before joining Galatasaray in 2024.
Her transfer to Benfica now sees her follow in the footsteps of Ucheibe and strengthens the growing Nigerian presence at the Portuguese club.
With Benfica competing for domestic honours and European success, Demehin will be hoping to establish herself as a key part of the team’s defence and continue her progress with the Super Falcons.
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