Nigerian Shukurat Oladipo Named Serie A Women Best Defender
Super Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo has been crowned Best Defender in Italy's Serie A Women after a standout 2025-26 season with AS Roma. The 21-year-old former FC Robo Queens star also earned a spot in the Serie A Women Team of the Year, alongside three Roma teammates.
Oladipo established herself as a defensive cornerstone, featuring in 18 Serie A matches with 15 starts. During her involvement, Roma recorded 11 clean sheets and remained unbeaten in league matches she played. The Nigerian defender made 30 total appearances across all competitions, including her UEFA Women's Champions League debut.
Her impressive statistics include 27 interceptions, 27 tackles, 70 clearances and 104 recoveries from 1,398 minutes of action. Roma recently secured the Serie A Women title, and Oladipo will now aim for a domestic double when they face Juventus in the Coppa Italia Femminile final on May 24. With Oladipo and compatriot Rinsola Babajide starring in Italy, the duo continues to strengthen Nigeria's growing presence in European women's football at the highest level.