Nigerian Giallorosse drive Roma’s Serie A title charge

The Italian Serie A Femminile has taken on a distinct Nigerian flavour this season, with Super Falcons stars Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo emerging as key figures in AS Roma Women’s push for a third consecutive Scudetto. From last-gasp heroics in attack to composure and versatility across the pitch, the duo are proving to be the X-factor in the Giallorosse’s title charge.

From decisive moments in tight matches to consistent positional excellence, Babajide and Oladipo’s contributions reflect not only individual quality but also the growing export value of Nigerian women footballers in elite European leagues.

Babajide’s Late Heroics Rescue Roma

Rinsola Babajide recently grabbed the headlines with a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser to secure a vital 3–3 draw for Roma against Parma Women.

Introduced from the bench in the 59th minute, the Super Falcons forward injected pace, direct running and urgency into Roma’s attack. Her persistence paid off deep into added time when she rose calmly to head home the equaliser in the 90+9 minute, salvaging a point in a pulsating contest.

It was a moment that perfectly captured Babajide’s impact profile: decisive, fearless and effective under pressure.

A Career Built Across Europe

Babajide joined AS Roma on July 14, 2025, signing a three-year contract after arriving from Spanish side Tenerife. The 27-year-old winger brings a wealth of European experience, having previously featured for Crystal Palace, Millwall, Watford, Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion in England before refining her game in Spain with Real Betis and Tenerife.

Her move to Serie A represents the next step in a steadily rising career, and her immediate impact suggests Roma have secured a forward capable of delivering in defining moments.

Oladipo’s Rise from Lagos to Rome

While Babajide provides attacking spark, Shukurat Oladipo has quietly established herself as a reliable and versatile presence in Roma’s squad.

The 21-year-old joined AS Roma Women from Nigeria Women’s Football League side Robo Queens, signing a deal that runs until June 30, 2027. Comfortable in both defence and midfield, Oladipo has already made 13 appearances this season, adapting quickly to the tactical demands of Italian football.

Her journey to Europe is built on remarkable consistency: Oladipo made an impressive 178 appearances for Robo Queens before her move, a testament to her durability, discipline and the trust she earned at the club level.

International Pedigree and Tournament Experience

Oladipo’s credentials extend beyond club football. She featured prominently for Nigeria’s Falconets at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia, playing in all four matches, and was part of the squad that won silver at the women’s football event of the 2024 African Games in Ghana.

She has also earned two senior caps with the Super Falcons and was included in Nigeria’s squad for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Falcons lifted a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.

Describing her move to Italy as “life-changing”, Oladipo said:

“It will help my career grow as a person and as a versatile footballer passionate about the game.”

Roma’s Nigerian Axis and Title Ambitions

AS Roma Women, champions of Italy for the past two seasons, currently sit top of the Serie A Femminile standings with 29 points from 12 matches and are firmly on course for a third straight Scudetto. As the title race intensifies, the influence of Babajide and Oladipo could prove decisive.

Beyond Roma’s immediate ambitions, the duo’s performances reinforce a broader narrative: Nigerian women footballers are no longer just participants in Europe’s top leagues; they are influencers, match-winners and long-term assets.

As Serie A Femminile continues to grow in profile, Roma’s Nigerian connection is fast becoming one of its most compelling and successful storylines.

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