“I never stopped believing” – Nigeria and Roma star Oladipo speaks after becoming Italy’s best

Nigeria international Shukurat Oladipo has opened up on her difficult rise to the top after the AS Roma star was named the Best Defender in the Italian Serie A Femminile for the 2025/26 season, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old centre-back earned the prestigious honour after playing a major role in helping AS Roma Women win their third league title in four seasons. Her calm defending, physical strength and tactical intelligence turned her into one of the most important players in Roma’s backline during a remarkable campaign in Italy.

It has been a whirlwind past 12 months for Oladipo, who left Nigerian club FC Robo Queens in February 2025 to begin her European adventure in Rome. During her first few months, she struggled for regular minutes as she adjusted to the pace and tactical demands of Italian football. But by the start of the 2025/26 season, she had become one of the first names on Roma’s team sheet.

Her performances were consistent throughout the campaign. Roma did not lose a single league match in which she featured. Across 18 Serie A appearances, including 15 starts, the Nigerian helped record 11 clean sheets while producing 104 ball recoveries, 70 clearances, 27 tackles and 27 interceptions.

The former Falconets defender also impressed during her debut season in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, where she faced elite European attackers with composure far beyond her age.

Speaking after receiving the award, Oladipo reflected emotionally on her journey from Lagos to Rome.

“From Robo Queens to AS Roma. From Nigeria to Italy. I never stopped believing,” the Super Falcons centre-back wrote on her IG page. “2025/26 Serie A Femminile Best Defender. League champions. All glory to God.”

WAFCON spotlight now awaits Oladipo

Oladipo’s outstanding campaign also earned her a place in the Serie A Femminile Team of the Season alongside Roma midfield stars Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi and Giulia Dragoni.

The Nigerian defender will now attempt to complete a domestic double when Roma face Juventus Women in the Coppa Italia Femminile final on May 24, with fellow Nigerian forward Rinsola Babajide also expected to feature.

Oladipo used the moment to thank those who supported her throughout her rise.

“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, I love you all. Thank you.”

Her stunning development now places her at the centre of Nigeria’s plans for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. During the last tournament in 2025,officially the delayed 2024 edition, Oladipo was mainly viewed as a promising squad option after stepping up from the Falconets.

Now, the situation is completely different. Nigeria will enter the 2026 competition as defending champions after defeating Morocco in last year's final, while the tournament will also serve as Africa’s qualifying route for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.

Drawn in a difficult Group C alongside Zambia, Egypt and Malawi, the Super Falcons will rely heavily on Oladipo’s recovery pace and defensive awareness, especially against dangerous attackers such as Zambia captain Barbra Banda.

With Roma’s season ending after the Coppa Italia final, Oladipo is now expected to switch her full attention to Nigeria’s preparations as she continues her transformation from promising youngster into one of the Super Falcons’ most important defenders.