Nigeria and AS Roma star Oladipo wins Serie A best defender award

Nigeria and AS Roma Women defender Shukurat Oladipo has been named the Best Defender in the 2025/26 Serie A Femminile season after a remarkable campaign in Italy, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 21-year-old Super Falcons centre-back also earned a place in the league’s Team of the Season following her commanding displays for Roma during their title-winning run.

Oladipo featured in 18 league matches as Roma secured the Serie A Femminile crown for only the third time in the club’s history. The Nigerian defender quickly became one of the most trusted players in the team because of her calmness in possession, aggressive tackling, strong aerial ability and smart reading of danger.

Roma conceded only nine goals in the matches Oladipo played. Even more impressive, the club remained unbeaten whenever she was on the pitch and recorded eight clean sheets in her 18 appearances.

The journey to becoming one of the best defenders in the world has been incredible for the Lagos-born defender. After beginning her football journey in Mushin, she developed through local teams before making her name with FC Robo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League. Interestingly, Oladipo first played as a striker before later moving into midfield and eventually settling in central defence.

Her performances for Nigeria’s youth teams at the 2024 African Games and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup also helped prepare her for life in Europe after her move to Roma in February 2025.

Oladipo among Serie A's best

Oladipo’s consistency throughout the season was rewarded during the Serie A Femminile award ceremony on Monday night, where she was officially crowned the league’s best defender.

She was also one of four Roma stars included in the Team of the Season. The side features Como goalkeeper Astrid Gilardi, while Oladipo lines up in defence alongside Juventus full-back Estela Carbonell, Inter Milan defender Ivana Andrés and Parma’s Caterina Ambrosi.

Roma midfielders Manuela Giugliano, Giulia Dragoni and Giada Greggi were also recognised, while the attack includes Inter forward Tessa Wullaert, Lazio striker Martina Piemonte and Napoli’s Cecilie Fløe.

Despite already enjoying a breakthrough season in Italy, Oladipo could still finish the campaign with another trophy. Roma are set to face Juventus Women in the Coppa Italia final at Stadio Romeo Menti on Sunday, May 24.