From Lagos dreams to champions in Rome, Super Falcons stars Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo made Nigerian football history after helping AS Roma Women clinch the 2025/26 Serie A Femminile title on Saturday.
The triumph marked the first time two Nigerian internationals in the same team have lifted the Italian women’s top-flight trophy.
Roma sealed the Scudetto with a composed 2-0 victory over Ternana Women at the Stadio Tre Fontane, with midfielder Manuela Giugliano scoring both goals to confirm the title with two matches still remaining.
It completed a dominant league campaign for Roma, who stretched clear of second-placed Inter Milan Women after a remarkable 15-match unbeaten run.
The title is Roma’s third in four seasons and further strengthens their growing status as the dominant force in Italian women’s football.
Rinsola Babajide and Shukurat Oladipo celebrating first Nigerian duo to lift the Italian women’s league trophy together. Photocredit: Imago
Both players only arrived at the club in 2025, yet within a year they have become champions in one of Europe’s biggest leagues.
READMORE: Kelechi Iheanacho delivers again as Celtic edge 10-man Hibs in title race
Babajide joined Roma from Spanish side UDCA Tenerife and announced herself immediately by scoring on her Serie A debut against Parma.
Although often used as a rotation option, the winger still made a strong impact with two goals and one assist in nine league appearances. Her pace, direct attacking style and creativity regularly gave Roma a different dimension in tight matches.
One of her standout moments came with an important assist against AC Milan Women, while she also contributed in key fixtures against title rivals Inter Milan.
Super Falcons’ Rinsola Babajide. Photo credit: NFF
At the other end of the pitch, Oladipo quietly established herself as one of Roma’s most dependable defenders.
The 21-year-old centre-back, who joined from FC Robo Queens, adapted quickly to European football and became a regular presence in Roma’s backline.
She featured in 16 league matches and played more than 1,200 minutes during her first full season, with only five Roma players recording more league minutes than the Nigerian defender.
Her positioning, composure and consistency helped Roma maintain one of the strongest defensive records in the division as they powered towards another league crown.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!
Beyond the league campaign, both Nigerians also contributed to Roma’s successful UEFA Women’s Champions League qualification run, including the playoff victory over Sporting CP Women.
And the celebrations may not be over yet with the Serie A title secured, Roma will now chase a domestic double when they face Juventus Women in the Coppa Italia Women final on May 24.
