Super Falcons defender, Oluwatosin Demehin, has finally broken her silence regarding the controversial VAR incident that occurred during the Women's African Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final against Morocco.
Nigeria found themselves trailing by two goals against the host nation before mounting an impressive comeback in the second half to level the score.
With just nine minutes remaining in the match, Namibian referee Antsino Twanyanyukwa initially awarded Morocco a penalty after judging that Demehin had handled the ball inside the box. However, following a VAR review conducted by Rwandan official Salima Mukansanga, the decision was overturned.
"I was scared, but deep down I knew it wasn't a penalty," Demehin told reporters. "The ball touched my hand, yes, but the way I was positioned, it wasn't unnatural."
Shortly after the reversed decision, Jennifer Echegini completed Nigeria's remarkable comeback with a dramatic 88th-minute winner, securing a record-extending 10th WAFCON title for the Super Falcons.
The controversial incident prompted the Royal Moroccan Football Federation to submit a formal complaint to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), alleging multiple officiating errors, particularly focusing on the reversed penalty decision.
In the aftermath of the tournament, CAF has reportedly sacked its Director of Refereeing, Désiré Noumandiez Doué. Although Doué did not officiate the match himself, his responsibility for referee appointments placed him under scrutiny. His removal appears to be part of a broader initiative to restore confidence in officiating standards across African football.
The Super Falcons' victory has been celebrated across Nigeria, with various state governors and organizations recognizing the team's achievement. Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma rewarded Imo-born players with N70 million, while national team players Troost-Ekong, Lookman, Aina, and others gifted the Super Falcons N24 million.
The team was also honored with a Presidential Dinner featuring performances by popular Nigerian artists including Teni, Flavour, and Timi Dakolo.
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