Super Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo says her move from Nigerian football to Italian giants AS Roma has transformed her game, exposing her to a higher level of competition and accelerating her development as a defender.
Oladipo joined Roma from FC Robo Queens in February 2025, leaving the Nigerian Women’s Football League after making 178 appearances for the Lagos club.
Now established in Italy, the 21-year-old believes regular exposure to Serie A and UEFA Women’s Champions League football has made a significant difference.
“For me, coming from Nigeria to Roma is a big change,” Oladipo said during a UEFA media conference.
“Playing for a team like Roma has helped me a lot. I want to keep improving, gaining experience and exposure, because we play in the Champions League, we play in the league. It gives me a lot of exposure.”
Her progress has already produced significant rewards.
Oladipo helped Roma win the 2025/26 Serie A title and Coppa Italia, starting the 1-0 cup-final victory over Juventus. She was also named Serie A Women’s Best Defender after a season in which she made 30 appearances across competitions.
Roma subsequently rewarded her development with a contract extension until June 2029.
Oladipo believes Champions League football is providing another important stage in that education.
“For me, the Champions League is a huge opportunity,” she said. “It’s the best competition in Europe; you face top clubs… you play against the best players in Europe.”
Her message to young Nigerian players hoping to follow the same path is equally straightforward:
“Keep going, persevere, believe in yourself. There are no limits.”
From Robo Queens to becoming one of Serie A’s recognised defenders, Oladipo’s rise shows just how quickly exposure at the highest level has expanded both her experience and ambitions.
