‘I perform when the stakes are high’ – Super Eagles no.10 highlights difference with failed Okocha heirs

Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele–Bashiru has welcomed the pressure that comes with wearing the Super Eagles’ no.10 jersey.

The 23-year-old said although wearing the Super Eagles’ number 10 shirt comes with a lot of expectation to perform, he considers it as “positive pressure.”

Dele-Bashiru is one of Nigeria’s best players outside Europe’s top five leagues, having had an impressive debut campaign in the Turkish topflight with Hatayspor.

He played 39 matches in all competitions last season while contributing nine goals and six assists.

Dele-Bahsiru’s great form saw him rewarded with a national team call-up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin in June.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru revels in Super Eagles no.10 jersey

Dele-Bashiru started the qualifying game against Bafana Bafana and scored but was taken off at half-time after he suffered an injury, with Finidi George’s side settling for a 1-1 draw.

The Manchester City academy graduate, however, failed to recover in time for Nigeria’s 2-1 loss at the hands of Benin and, therefore, had to watch the entirety of the game from the bench.

Having been handed the iconic number 10 jersey when he arrived in the Nigeria camp, Dele-Bashiru joined an exclusive list of players – including Jay-Jay Okocha, John Mikel Obi and Joe Aribo – to have worn the said number – and he described the moment as fantastic.

“Before going into a game, when you are wearing the No.10 jersey for Nigeria, it’s a fantastic moment. It’s a moment when you feel pressure, but not negative pressure, it is positive pressure knowing that you have to perform,” the midfielder told Punch.

“And I think I perform better in situations where the stakes are high. I am happy I was given the No.10 and for the future, whatever number or role I am given, I will always be happy to play.”