Oladipo Ends Debut Season in Italy With Serie A Best Defender Award

Sports

Super Falcons centre-back Shukurat Oladipo has brought her maiden spell in Italy to a remarkable high, winning the Best Defender prize in the Italian women’s Serie A and also being selected in the league’s official Team of the Season.

The 21-year-old joined AS Roma after catching attention with FC Robo Queens in Nigeria, and she quickly established herself as a crucial part of Roma’s title-winning push. Her impact was felt across the season through reliable displays in two roles, operating at right-back as well as in the centre of defence.

Across the league schedule, Oladipo featured in 18 matches as Roma claimed the domestic championship and secured qualification for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. For a player emerging as one of the division’s standout defensive figures, the recognition has proved a fitting reward for her consistent contributions.

Her swift adjustment to European football has also strengthened her influence within the Super Falcons environment, with increasing numbers now viewing her as one of Nigeria’s most exciting young defenders.

Taken together, the individual accolade and the Team of the Season honour represent another notable step forward in a career that continues to climb on both sides of the Mediterranean.

Zibuyile Dladla
Zibuyile Dladla
Senior Writer

Zibuyile began her media journey as a sales intern at Mediamark (Kagiso Media) before moving into digital content creation for ZAlebs.com. Over four years, she helped evolve the platform from a simple blog into one of South Africa’s leading independent entertainment news sites.
Following ZAlebs’ transition to Celebrity Worx in 2016, Zibuyile was promoted to Executive Editor, recognized for her sharp audience insight and ability to match editorial with branded content. Highlights of her time include a Bookmark Award nomination, judging TLC’s Next Great Presenter, reporting from the MTV EMAs, and building partnerships with radio stations like YFM, Cliff Central, and Good Hope FM.
Her editorial work also expanded to include fast-growing digital verticals—such as lifestyle tech, online entertainment, and gambling-related content—tailored to evolving reader interests and brand opportunities.

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