Shukurat Oladipo reflects on remarkable rise after Serie A best defender award
Nigeria international Shukurat Oladipo has opened up on her inspiring rise from local football in Nigeria to becoming one of the standout stars in Italy after winning the 2025/26 Serie A Femminile Best Defender award with AS Roma Women.
The 21-year-old centre-back enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in Italy, playing a crucial role in Roma’s league-winning season despite initially struggling for regular playing time after joining the club from FC Robo Queens in February 2025.
What started as a difficult adjustment soon turned into a remarkable success story.
Oladipo gradually established herself as one of Roma’s most reliable defenders, bringing composure, strength, and consistency to the backline. Her impact became impossible to ignore as Roma remained unbeaten in every league match she featured in while also keeping eight clean sheets across her 18 appearances.
Her outstanding performances earned her the Serie A Femminile Best Defender award and a place in the league’s Team of the Season alongside Roma teammates Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi, and Giulia Dragoni.
Following the recognition, the former Falconets star reflected emotionally on her journey and the belief that carried her from Nigeria to the top level of Italian women’s football.
“From Robo Queens to AS Roma. From Nigeria to Italy. I never stopped believing,” Oladipo wrote on Instagram.
“2025/26 Serie A Femminile Best Defender. League champions. All glory to God.”
The Super Falcons defender also took time to appreciate the people who stood by her throughout her rise during a memorable first season in Europe.
“To my family, this is for you. To my Roma teammates and coaches,you made me better every single day, and I am forever grateful.
“And to the fans and supporters near and far, in Italy, Nigeria, and around the world, thank you for your love and support. I really appreciate it. I love you all. Thank you.”
Beyond domestic success, Oladipo also impressed in her debut UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign, where she held her own against some of Europe’s elite attackers with maturity and confidence far beyond her age.
Roma now have the opportunity to cap off a memorable season with a domestic double when they face Juventus Women in the Coppa Italia Femminile final on May 24, with fellow Nigerian forward Rinsola Babajide also expected to feature.
Oladipo’s rapid rise has further strengthened her place within the Super Falcons setup ahead of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria will be aiming to defend their continental crown.
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