“Heartwarming and High-Intensity” - Olamide Adugbe on Dream Journey to Italy

The Nigerian U20 star, and Super Falcons prospect, now 21, shares insights with us at SportsBoom on her new life, challenges in Italian football, and the influence of Napoli’s team culture on her game.

From the Nigerian Women’s Football League (NWFL) to Italy’s Serie A Women, Olamide Adugbe’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable.

Now a rising star at Napoli Femminile, one of the hottest Nigerian attacking prospect opens up about her adaptation to the Italian league, her goals for the season, and the people who have inspired her along the way.

“Heartwarming” First Steps with Napoli

For Adugbe, joining Napoli Femminile was a major milestone, a dream she had long cherished.

Facing the Intensity of Italian Football

Transitioning from the NWFL to Italy's highly competitive league has been a new challenge for Adugbe.

The midfielder describes the increased pace and defensive focus that characterizes Italian football compared to the Nigerian league.

“Yeah, playing in the Italian League, yeah. The Italian League is like a difficult league. It's quite different from the Nigerian League,” she says. “It’s a more high-intensity league. It’s the kind of league where you have to defend. And you also have to find your way out in winning… 

A Warm Welcome and New Lessons in Culture

Adjusting to life in a new country can be daunting, but Adugbe feels at home with Napoli, thanks to her supportive teammates and the Napoli community.

“Adjusting to life in Italy is super, super exciting. With the help of my teammates and people around me, it's quite easy, a bit,” she says.

“Football, it's just one language. When you pass the ball, I think they understand.”

Living in Italy has also taught her the importance of small cultural gestures. “For the cultural aspect, you need to say hello every morning,” she laughs. “You need to put a smile on your face, and it's nothing much different. You need to just be respectful.”

Inspiration from Coaches, Teammates, and Management

Amidst the rigorous training and adjustments, Adugbe credits her manager and agent as well as her teammates for providing vital support.

“My biggest influence, I would like to say, is my manager and my agent. Vortex Agency and my manager, Prince Ademola Osinowo. They've been an inspiration to me,” she reveals.

“Knowing people are around to support you, it's a great thing in life.”

The team itself has also been instrumental. “All thanks to my coach, Mr. Mango, and my fitness coach. The players were welcoming even before I came to the team,” she says.

A special mention goes to Maria Banusic, Napoli’s number 10, who Adugbe admired from Nigeria. Her African teammate, Violah Nambi, has also been “a sister and mentor."

Tactical Discipline and Its Impact on Adugbe’s Game

Italian football has added a new layer to Adugbe’s skill set. Known for its tactical discipline, the league has made her a more thoughtful player, constantly aware of the balance between attack and defense.

“There are so many tactics, and one must be disciplined. You need to be tactical while you’re defending,” she explains. “While I was in Nigeria… you just be there, and we just give you the ball, and you just make runs and all that.