Nigeria's Shukurat Oladipo Named Serie A Women's Best Defender

Shukurat Oladipo, a Super Falcons defender and former FC Robo Queens star, has been named the Best Defender in Italy's Serie A Women. This award comes after her impressive performance in the 2025-26 season with AS Roma.

It's not hard to see why she earned this recognition. Oladipo was a key figure in Roma's defensive line, featuring in 18 Serie A matches with 15 starts. Her team recorded 11 clean sheets during her involvement. They remained unbeaten in the league matches she played in.

Oladipo's defensive output really stands out. She made 27 interceptions, 27 tackles, 70 clearances, and 104 recoveries in the league from 1,398 minutes of action. These numbers highlight her influence at the back. They demonstrate why Roma Women had one of the strongest defensive records in the division.

Oladipo's achievements aren't limited to her individual performance. She was also named in the Serie A Women Team of the Year alongside her club teammates Manuela Giugliano, Giada Greggi, and Giulia Dragoni. This is a testament to the team's overall strength and dominance in the league.

So, what's next for Oladipo and her teammates? They'll be focusing on the Coppa Italia Femminile final against Juventus on May 24. Roma's aiming to complete a domestic double, and given their current form, it's definitely possible.

Oladipo's success is also a reflection of Nigeria's growing presence in European women's football. The 21-year-old defender is continuing to build her reputation at the highest level, and her performances are strengthening the country's position in the sport.

Oladipo's achievements aren't just about her individual success; they represent the progress of Nigerian women's football. As more players like her gain recognition and succeed in top leagues, it can inspire others to follow in their footsteps.

The future's bright for Oladipo and Nigerian women's football. With her talent, dedication, and success, she's paving the way for others to achieve their goals and make a name for themselves in the sport. She won't stop here, and we can expect to see more of her in the years to come.