Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin has opened up about the heart-stopping moment she was almost at the centre of a major WAFCON final controversy.
With Nigeria trailing 2-0 before clawing back to 2-2 against hosts Morocco in the final of the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, a tense finale unfolded.
Just nine minutes from full-time, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa pointed to the penalty spot after adjudging Demehin to have handled the ball in the box.
Photo by IMAGO
However, after a VAR review led by Rwandan official Salima Mukansanga, the decision was overturned, to the immense relief of the Nigerian defender.
“I was scared, but deep down I knew it wasn’t a penalty,” Demehin told the press in Lagos as per BoldSports. “The ball touched my hand, yes, but the way I was positioned, it wasn’t unnatural.”
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The Galatasaray centre-back also shared a telling exchange with teammate Asisat Oshoala.
“‘Agba baller’ (Asisat Oshoala) came to me and asked, ‘Tosin, ṣo bọwọ́ ẹ?’ (Did it touch your hand?). I said, ‘O bọwọ́ mi, but mo dúró dáadáa’ (Yes, but I stood naturally). She told me to calm down, assuring me it wouldn’t be given as a penalty.”
In only her debut at the WAFCON, fomer Nigeria youth international Demehin had been one of the standout players for the Falcons in Morocco.
The Galatasaray defender started all of Nigeria’s six matches, scored against Zambia and helped the Super Falcons boast the best defensive record at the tournament.
Still, all of her good work was about to be undone before VAR came to her – and Nigeria’s – rescue.
Reflecting on the incident, Demehin admitted she didn’t realise how emotional the moment had been until watching the footage later.
“I was so happy and thankful to God. Because if that had stood as a penalty, Nigerians would have blamed me for the loss. But when it was overturned, all I felt was gratitude.”
Moments later, Jennifer Echegini completed Nigeria’s comeback with a dramatic 88th-minute winner, latching onto Esther Okoronkwo’s pinpoint delivery to seal a 3-2 victory and Nigeria’s record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
Morocco, however, have refused to let the result go uncontested.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation filed a formal complaint with CAF, alleging multiple officiating errors, particularly the reversed penalty call.
In addressing the issue, Atlas Lionesses head coach Jorge Vilda said:
“We saw images that showed clear contact, but the referee overturned her own call. It impacted our players psychologically. It was a massive blow.”
In the fallout, CAF reportedly dismissed Director of Refereeing Désiré Noumandiez Doué.
Though Doué didn’t officiate the match, his role in referee appointments placed him under scrutiny. His removal, according to sources, is part of a broader move to restore confidence in officiating standards across the continent.
Despite Morocco’s protests, match footage and analysis align with IFAB guidelines. The ball struck Demehin’s arm from under two yards away, while in a natural position, with no time to react. VAR was right to intervene.
Nigeria, for their part, are celebrating in style. The Super Falcons were welcomed back as national heroes, receiving cash rewards, property, and national honours from President Bola Tinubu and state governors.
The Super Falcons now hold the world record as the female national team with the most continental titles, one more than the United States and China’s haul of nine CONCACAF and AFC honours, respectively.