Official: After Osimhen, Galatasaray reach new agreement with Nigerian defender

Victor Osimhen is the most prominent Nigerian name in Galatasaray but one of his compatriot is also quietly making her mark in Istanbul

Galatasaray have confirmed that Nigerian international Oluwatosin Demehin has signed a contract extension, keeping the highly rated defender at the Turkish club beyond her initial one-year deal, Soccernet.ng reports. 

The 23-year-old joined Galatasaray in the summer of 2024 after leaving Stade de Reims in France and immediately established herself as a key figure in defence.

Despite her team finishing fourth in the Turkish Women’s Super League, Demehin made 26 appearances across domestic and European competitions, scoring once and playing a pivotal role in Galatasaray’s first-ever campaign in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.

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Although the Istanbul side exited the group stage without a win against Lyon, Roma and Wolfsburg, Demehin’s consistency and leadership at the back did not go unnoticed.

Nigeria’s Demehin at WAFCON 2024

Demehin's reputation soared even higher over the summer when she was integral to Nigeria’s triumph at the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Making her debut in the tournament, Demehin featured in every match as Nigeria lifted a record-extending 10th continental crown. She was part of a defensive line that conceded just two goals from open play, while also registering her first international strike in the 5-0 quarter-final win over Zambia. The Falcons clinched the title by edging hosts Morocco 3-2 in a thrilling final.

Her performances earned her one of Nigeria’s highest national honours – the Order of the Niger (OON) – alongside cash rewards and property gifts.

Galatasaray, who won the league for the first time before her arrival, have now moved quickly to secure her future as they aim to build a squad capable of challenging for both domestic and European glory.

Demehin, who began her career at Sunshine Queens before shining with Rivers Angels, first came to global attention at the 2022 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup with Nigeria’s Falconets. Her rise through the ranks has been swift, and she is now regarded as one of Africa’s most promising defenders.

The contract extension ensures that Demehin will continue her development in Istanbul while representing Nigeria at the highest level. 

Demehin becomes the second Nigerian to commit their future to Galatasaray this month after the club secured the sensational acquisition of Victor Osimhen.

After leaving Napoli, Osimhen joined Galatasaray in a record-making deal following an excellent spell on loan last season.