After weeks of online speculation and heated debates among football fans, Super Falcons defender Tosin Demehin has finally addressed the handball controversy that nearly marred her performance during Nigeria’s recent international fixture. In a press chat in Lagos, Demehin shared her side of the story—and the moment that calmed her fears came from none other than Nigerian football legend Asisat Oshoala.

The Controversial Moment

The incident, which sparked a storm of reactions on social media, occurred during a tense moment in the match when the ball struck Demehin’s hand inside the penalty box. Fans and pundits were split on whether it was a legitimate penalty call, with many accusing the defender of an avoidable error.

But Demehin has now spoken up, giving clarity from her point of view:

> “I was scared, but deep down I knew it wasn’t a penalty,” she said, according to BoldSports. “The ball touched my hand, yes, but the way I was positioned, it wasn’t unnatural.”

The Oshoala Moment

What happened next shows the true spirit of leadership and sisterhood within the team. Demehin revealed that as the team regrouped, Asisat Oshoala—widely regarded as the face of Nigerian women’s football—walked up to her and offered both comfort and clarity.

> “‘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).”

Rather than chastise her, Oshoala offered reassurance:

> “She told me to calm down, assuring me it wouldn’t be given as a penalty.”

It’s a moment that many are now hailing as an example of what true leadership and team support should look like.

Fans React

Football fans have taken to social media with renewed respect for both players:

> “Oshoala is not just a baller, she’s a big sister to the younger ones. Love how she protects her teammates,” one user wrote on X.

> “Tosin held her ground and Asisat backed her up like a true leader. That’s the unity we want to see in the Falcons,” another posted.

A Lesson in Composure

Demehin’s calm explanation and the guidance she received from a senior teammate have turned what could have been a stain on her growing career into a teachable moment about composure under pressure and trust within a team.

As the Super Falcons prepare for upcoming matches, fans are calling for more behind-the-scenes stories like this—ones that highlight not just skills, but the bond and values that make champions.

The football world is in deep mourning following the sudden passing of Diogo Jota, star striker for Liverpool FC and the Portuguese national team. He was just 28 years old.

Jota lost his life in a tragic road incident in Spain alongside his younger brother in the early hours of Thursday, July 3, 2025.

The devastating news comes less than two weeks after his wedding to his longtime partner, Rute Cardoso, which took place on June 22, 2025. The couple shared three children and had just begun a new chapter together.

Since joining Liverpool in 2020, Jota became a fan favorite for his sharp instincts, energy, and goal-scoring brilliance. He also proudly represented Portugal on the international stage, winning hearts with his commitment and character.

This is a heartbreaking loss for his family, friends, teammates, and the entire football community.

Rest in peace, Diogo Jota.
You will never walk alone. ❤️

Leon Balogun, whose sudden absence from the Super Eagles squad raised concerns, especially after his comments on players’ welfare, has been cleared by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). The NFF has denied that his exclusion is related to his outspoken interview.

In a statement, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire addressed the rumors, stating that the claims were incorrect.

“The interview in question was in June 2021. Since then, Balogun has participated in seven games for the Super Eagles. This is verifiable. He was included in the squad for AFCON but missed out due to injury. He returned in 2022, playing in both World Cup qualifier matches against Ghana and in the AFCON qualifiers under coach Jose Peseiro,” Olajire explained.

He continued, “Claims that Balogun’s absence is due to his interview are unfair to the NFF. We do not make player selections for coaches, and the concerns raised by Balogun in that interview were addressed by us. No directive has been given by the NFF to blacklist him from the Super Eagles.”

With Eric Chelle’s list on the horizon, fans are hopeful for a potential Balogun return. His wealth of experience and continued presence in top-tier football make him a valuable asset, and many, including this writer, believe his inclusion would still be beneficial for the national team. Fingers crossed!