Nigerian defender Shukurat Oladipo has expressed confidence in her ability to step up following Osinachi Ohale’s retirement from international football, revealing that the former Nigeria international encouraged her to believe in her abilities.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with ACL Sports, the 22-year-old said Ohale’s support had helped strengthen her confidence as she continues to establish herself in the national team.

“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 said.

The AS Roma defender also reflected on the disappointment of Nigeria’s 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) campaign, admitting that missing out on the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup remains difficult to overcome.

“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.

Oladipo also described facing Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League as a dream come true, having followed the Spanish giants from a young age.

The Nigerian defender recalled her first Champions League appearance for AS Roma against Barcelona, where she came up against some of the world’s leading players.

“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.

The 2025/26 season proved memorable for Oladipo, who earned the Best Defender award in Italy’s Serie A Women after an impressive campaign with AS Roma.

Reflecting on the recognition, the Super Falcons player admitted she was nervous ahead of the ceremony but overwhelmed with joy when her name was announced.

“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,” she said.

Oladipo described her rapid rise from Nigeria’s Women’s Football League with Robo Queens to AS Roma and the Super Falcons as a life-changing experience.

The defender said she had never imagined that her career would progress so quickly, with opportunities to play in Europe, win individual honours and represent Nigeria at major international competitions.

“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,” Oladipo said.

With growing experience at club and international levels, Oladipo will look to build on her progress as she seeks to play a more prominent role in the Super Falcons’ defence following Ohale’s retirement.