Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin has revealed that fellow Nigerian international Christy Ucheibe played an important role in her decision to join Portuguese champions Benfica.
The 24 year old centre back recently completed her move to the European club after leaving Turkish side Galatasaray. Demehin has signed a three year contract with Benfica that will keep her at the Portuguese giants until 2029, marking another significant step in her growing European career.
Demehin admitted that she sought advice from Ucheibe before making the decision to move to Portugal. The two players are familiar with each other through the Super Falcons, and Ucheibe’s previous experience at Benfica gave Demehin an opportunity to gain first hand information about life at the club.
Speaking about her decision, Demehin explained that she spoke with Ucheibe during a Nigeria national team training camp before completing the transfer. According to the defender, her compatriot had plenty of positive things to say about Benfica and its environment.
Ucheibe spent several years at Benfica before moving to French giants Paris Saint Germain in 2025. During her time in Portugal, she established herself as an important player and gained extensive experience competing domestically and in European football. Her knowledge of the club therefore provided Demehin with valuable insight before she accepted the opportunity.
Demehin’s arrival at Benfica represents an exciting new chapter after two seasons in Turkey with Galatasaray. She joined the Turkish club in 2024 following her spell with French side Stade de Reims, having previously developed her career in Nigeria with Sunshine Queens and Rivers Angels.
Her performances at Rivers Angels helped attract attention from European clubs, eventually leading to her move to France in 2022. After gaining experience in French football, she continued her journey with Galatasaray before securing her latest move to one of Portugal’s most successful women’s football clubs.
The defender is also arriving at Benfica at a time when the club is strengthening its Nigerian connection. Demehin becomes the third Nigerian player to join the Portuguese champions during the current transfer window, following the arrivals of Janet Akekoromowei and Flourish Sabastine.
The growing Nigerian presence could provide Demehin with an added sense of familiarity as she settles into a new league and environment. Having fellow Nigerians around the team should also help the defender adapt to life in Portugal while maintaining the strong connections developed through the national team.
Demehin has made it clear that her ambitions extend beyond simply joining a major European club. She believes Benfica provides the right environment for her to continue improving as a footballer and compete at a higher level.
“Benfica is the best club in Portugal and one of the best clubs in the world,” Demehin said, expressing her belief that the move can help her take another step forward in her development.
The Nigerian defender also described herself as hardworking, disciplined and determined, qualities she believes will help her succeed at her new club.
Her arrival is expected to add depth and experience to Benfica’s defensive options as the Portuguese champions prepare for another demanding campaign. The club have ambitions domestically and in European competition, making the move an important opportunity for Demehin to test herself against some of the best teams on the continent.
Demehin has already represented Nigeria on some of the biggest stages in women’s football, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Olympic Games. She was also part of the Super Falcons squad that won the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, further strengthening her international credentials.
Now, she will look to establish herself at Benfica and continue building her reputation in European football.
For Ucheibe, her influence on Demehin’s move is another example of the growing network of Nigerian players helping one another abroad. Having experienced Benfica herself, her positive assessment of the club appears to have helped Demehin make an important career decision.
With a new contract secured until 2029 and a fresh challenge ahead, Demehin will be hoping her move to Benfica becomes another successful chapter in her European journey and helps her reach an even higher level with both club and country.
