Super Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo says she is capable of stepping up following Osinachi Ohale retirement from international football.
“Before she retired, she always motivated and encouraged me to believe in myself and trust myself. So for me, I would say I am capable,” Oladipo told www.aclsports.com in an exclusive interview.
Oladipo also reflected on the disappointment of the WAFCON 2026, admitting that missing out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup remains painful.
“To be honest, it’s football. You just have to let it go. Though missing out on the World Cup is very painful and not something I can easily get out of my head, I just have to keep going,” she said.
The 22-year-old also spoke about facing Barcelona and some of the world’s best players in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
“My first Champions League game for AS Roma was against Barcelona. To be honest, it was a dream come true for me because I always watched them when I was young. Even when Asisat Oshoala was there, I always watched Barcelona and thought, ‘Oh, what a team, they are good.’
“I never imagined I would play against such a team, so for me, it was a dream come true to play against star players like Aitana Bonmatí and so many others,” she added.
Oladipo also enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 season with AS Roma, winning the Best Defender award in Italy’s Serie A Women.
Reflecting on receiving the award, the Super Falcons defender said she was overwhelmed with excitement.
“Before going to the award ceremony, when they told me I was going, I was a bit nervous because it was my first time attending an award ceremony. When they called my name, I didn’t even know what to say because I was very excited, and I’m very happy about it.”
Oladipo described her rapid rise from the NWFL with Robo Queens to AS Roma and the Super Falcons as life-changing.
“I would say it’s life-changing, and it’s God, because I never imagined everything would happen so fast. Playing my first league game, winning the Best Defender award, playing for the Super Falcons and featuring at WAFCON — for me, it’s a dream come true,” she said.
