Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the talented Super Eagles midfielder, has opened up about the driving force behind his remarkable journey in football so far.
While many might look to external sources for inspiration, Fisayo found his greatest motivation right at home.
The one player who has pushed him to continually better himself? His own brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru.
Fisayo shared that his brother’s success, particularly at Watford, has played a key role in shaping his own ambitions.
Dele-Bashiru's biggest motivation: family and football
Growing up, he faced numerous challenges, including his time at Manchester City, where he never made it to the senior team.
But it was Tom’s success that became a beacon of hope and a reason for Fisayo to push through his struggles.
In an interview with Making of Champions, Fisayo confessed that he looked up to Tom during those difficult times, using his brother’s accomplishments as a constant reminder to improve his own game.
“When I was growing up, he was my biggest motivation. He was doing so well while I struggled, especially during my time at Manchester City. Seeing him thrive pushed me to improve myself,” Fisayo said.
The younger Dele-Bashiru expressed that while personal achievements like his goal for the Super Eagles against South Africa and Libya are special, it’s the overall success of the team that truly motivates him.
As Fisayo continues to carve out his place in the Super Eagles, he's also focusing on sharpening his game play.
Unfortunately, due to a recent injury, he will miss Nigeria’s final 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda. He was seen with a strapped knee during training, showing signs of limping, which led to concerns over his fitness.
Despite this setback, the five-cap Super Eagles star remains committed to improving and hopes his continued efforts will lead to even more contributions for the national team in the future.
