Dele-Bashiru: Super Eagles midfielder returns from injury as Lazio settle for draw against Torino

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made his long-awaited return from injury as Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw by Torino in their Serie A clash at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday, March 31, 2025.

Dele-Bashiru had been sidelined since suffering an injury in Lazio’s defeat to AC Milan in February, which ruled him out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

However, he recovered in time to make the bench for the match against Torino.

Lazio dominated possession in the first half but struggled to break down a well-organized Torino side.

The breakthrough finally came in the 57th minute, when Adam Marušić fired home from a Pedro assist to put the hosts ahead.

The Biancocelesti were desperate to bounce back from their humiliating 5-0 loss to Bologna before the international break, but their hopes of a win were dashed late in the game.

With just eight minutes left, Torino’s Gvidas Gineitis capitalized on a defensive lapse to level the score.

Lazio pushed forward in search of a late winner, but Torino’s resolute defence held firm, ensuring both sides settled for a share of the spoils and spoil Dele-Bashiru’s return for Lazio

Dele-Bashiru’s return vs Torino in numbers

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made his Serie A return for Lazio, coming on as a substitute for veteran Spanish winger Pedro in the 72nd minute of their 1-1 draw against Torino.

Despite his limited time on the pitch, the 24-year-old midfielder made an impact.

He had seven touches, completed all five of his attempted passes for a 100% success rate, and registered one key pass.

Defensively, Dele-Bashiru was also effective, winning his only tackle and securing victory in one of the two ground duels he contested.

It was a positive return for the Nigerian international as he looks to regain full match fitness and play a bigger role for Lazio in the coming weeks.