Fisayo Dele-Bashiru urged to prove Lazio worth after AFCON exploits with Nigeria

Former Atalanta midfielder Roberto Rambaudi has urged Nigeria international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru to translate his international form into consistent performances for Lazio, Afrik-Foot reports.

While stopping short of direct criticism, the former Italy international believes the midfielder still has significant progress to make in order to establish himself as a key figure at the Rome-based club.

Dele-Bashiru arrived at Lazio in 2024 on an initial loan deal from Turkish side Hatayspor, before the move was made permanent the following year. Since then, the 25-year-old has featured 41 times across all competitions, scoring five goals and providing three assists.

Happy Birthday to our Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru who turns 25 today 🎉

Wish him well 🙏#Supereagles #Fisayo pic.twitter.com/lxOCxuC0VQ

— NairaBET (@NairaBET) February 6, 2026

His growing presence has already seen him climb the club’s list of Nigerian players with the most appearances, trailing only Ogenyi Onazi, who made 110 outings for Lazio, and former striker Stephen Makinwa, who played 56 times.

Despite those numbers, Dele-Bashiru has struggled to secure a regular starting role, often being used from the bench, even though his energy, versatility and work rate have caught the attention of clubs abroad. 

Dele-Bashiru: Expectations high in Rome for Super Eagles star

Dele-Bashiru’s confidence is likely at an all-time high following an impressive showing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he helped Nigeria secure the bronze medal.

That tournament, Rambaudi believes, should now serve as a platform for the midfielder to push for greater responsibility at club level.

Rambaudi, who won the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana with Lazio in 1998, is convinced Dele-Bashiru must do more to justify his stay in Rome.

“Dele Bashiru? If Sarri plays him, it is because he sees something in him during the week. But he has to prove he is a Lazio player,” Rambaudi told Radiosei via Cittaceleste.

So far this season, Dele-Bashiru has made 11 Serie A appearances, accumulating just 359 minutes, an average of roughly 33 minutes per outing.

He has also featured once in the Coppa Italia and could add another appearance when Lazio travel to face Bologna in their quarter-final clash at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara tonight.

With Lazio still competing on multiple fronts, the coming weeks are likely to be crucial for Dele-Bashiru as he seeks to turn flashes of promise into a lasting role within Maurizio Sarri’s squad.