Super Falcons defender Oluwatosin Demehin has revealed she felt an overwhelming sense of relief when a late penalty awarded to Morocco in the final of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) was overturned.
With Nigeria battling back from 2-0 down to level the game at 2-2 and just nine minutes left in regulation time, Demehin was judged to have handled the ball inside the box. Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa immediately pointed to the spot, sparking tense moments for the Falcons.
However, after a VAR review, the referee reversed the decision, ruling that the contact did not warrant a penalty. In that emotional moment, Demehin dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the call.
Speaking during an interactive session with fans and journalists at the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, the Galatasaray defender recounted the incident.
“I was scared, but deep down I knew it wasn’t a penalty,” she said. “The ball touched my hand, yes, but the way I was positioned, it wasn’t unnatural.”
She also shared a brief conversation with teammate Asisat Oshoala during the incident.
“‘Agba baller’ (Asisat) 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.”
Demehin said she didn’t even realize she had knelt down in relief until she later watched a replay on television.
“I was so happy and thankful to God. Because if that had stood as a penalty, Nigerians would’ve blamed me for the loss. But when it was overturned, all I felt was gratitude.”
The Super Falcons completed their comeback in the 88th minute when Jennifer Echegini finished off Esther Okoronkwo’s well-delivered free kick, sealing a dramatic 3-2 win and securing Nigeria’s 10th WAFCON title.
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