Super Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo has been named Best Defender in Italy’s Serie A Women after a standout 2025–26 season with AS Roma.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign in Italy and was also named in the Serie A Women Team of the Year alongside her Roma teammates Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi and Giulia Dragoni following the club’s dominant title-winning season.
Oladipo established herself as a key figure in Roma’s defensive line, featuring in 18 Serie A matches with 15 starts as the team recorded 11 clean sheets during her involvement, while remaining unbeaten in the league matches she featured in.
Across all competitions, including her debut in the UEFA Women’s Champions League, the Nigerian defender made 30 appearances, underlining her rapid rise and importance within the squad.
Her defensive output further highlighted her influence at the back, recording 27 interceptions, 27 tackles, 70 clearances and 104 recoveries in the league from 1,398 minutes of action, as Roma maintained one of the strongest defensive records in the division.
Roma officially lifted the Serie A Women trophy on Saturday after ending their season with a 2–0 win over Genoa, sealing a dominant domestic campaign.
Oladipo’s performances have further strengthened Nigeria’s growing presence in European women’s football, with the young defender continuing to build her reputation at the highest level.
She and compatriot Rinsola Babajide will now turn their attention to the Coppa Italia Femminile final against Juventus on 24 May, where Roma will aim to complete a domestic double.
