Super Falcons star reveals ambitious target with AS Roma

Super Falcons defender Shukurat Oladipo has revealed what she hopes to achieve with AS Roma as they begin their 2026-27 UEFA Women’s Champions League campaign against Leuven today, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Italian side will kick off their campaign against Belgian counterparts Leuven at the Dem Dreef Stadium, hoping to start with a positive result.

Roma made their Champions League debut during the 2022-23 season and reached the quarter-finals before losing to Barcelona, who eventually went on to win the tournament.

However, they are yet to progress beyond the league phase since then. Last season, they faced Leuven on matchday four and played out a 1-1 draw which eventually contributed to their elimination from the league phase.

Super Falcons star Shukurat Oladipo. Photo by Vincent Kamto Copyright: xxImago

Speaking ahead of their latest meeting with Leuven, Oladipo admitted that Roma have learned from last season's disappointment and are determined to do better this time.

“Last season, against Leuven, we didn't get any points. We've learned from that match, we know how we need to play, we know how to approach this game. This time, we're going for all three points”, the Super Falcons defender said, via Tribal Football.

“I would say their way of defending and pressing. That's something we need to keep in mind. We know how they press, how they defend, now we need to find our own solution to overcome them.”

Oladipo eyes bigger Champions League run with Roma

The Nigerian defender has become a key player for Roma since her arrival at the club and is keen to help the Italian side make a deeper run in the competition.

However, Oladipo insists Roma are not motivated by revenge after last season's result against Leuven but are instead focused on collecting points and qualifying for the next round.

Shukurat Damilola Oladipo of AS Roma. Copyright: xMatteoxCassoni/IMAGO

“For us as a team, we don't really need revenge. We just need to focus on ourselves, go out on the pitch, do our best as a group, and come away with points. That's our only goal”, she added.

“Honestly, our priority is to qualify. We know we're going to face the best teams, the ones we want to play against, but for now our goal is just to play, pick up points, and qualify for the next round.

“We've learned how to compete with most European teams. In our league, in Serie A, we play with different systems. Now, we're able to adapt our style to any European team, whether it's in England or elsewhere. We're ready.”

Despite changes to the squad and coaching staff, the Super Falcons defender believes the club's mentality remains the same.

“For us as a team, we've changed players, we've changed coach, but the culture is still there, the energy is still there, the motivation is still there. We have new players, a new coach, but we keep the same energy, the same determination, and we're still aiming for the same goal.”

On Super Falcons’ World Cup disappointment

Oladipo was also part of the Super Falcons squad that suffered a shock quarter-final exit at the 2026 WAFCON and later failed to qualify directly for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Nigeria and Roma star Shukurat Oladipo. Copyright: xMarioxQuartapellex IMAGO

The Super Falcons defender admitted that missing out on direct qualification was difficult but said she gained valuable experience from the setback.

“Honestly, it's very sad not to qualify directly for the World Cup, but that's how it is, we had no choice. That said, I learned a lot from it.”

Oladipo also revealed how happy she is to have made the move to Roma and to have the opportunity to represent the club in the Champions League.

“At first I was a bit nervous, but I'm always ready, no matter when. As soon as we have a match, I'm ready. I don't find it particularly difficult to start with the Champions League before playing league matches”, she continued.

“For me, coming from Nigeria to Roma is a big change. 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.

“For me, the Champions League is a huge opportunity. It's the best competition in Europe, you face top clubs, you see the most beautiful stadiums, you play against the best players in Europe. It's an amazing chance to test myself at this level.”

Omorinsola Babajide and Shukurat Damilola Oladipo both of Nigeria and Roma Femminile. Copyright: xDomenicoxCippitellix IMAGO

Roma will also face Barcelona, Chelsea, Servette Chênois, Benfica and Real Madrid as they look to progress to the knockout stages for the first time since the 2022-23 season.