Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: Super Eagles final third assassin limps out of Rome derby

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru lasted only 14 minutes in Lazio’s league match against AS Roma on Sunday before leaving the pitch with what appeared to be a thigh injury.

The Manchester City academy graduate, who has struggled so far this season under Maurizio Sarri, had earned a fourth consecutive start but cut a frustrated figure as he made way early, clutching the back of his leg and later seen with a heavy ice pack strapped to his thigh. His brief appearance yielded just one touch and no completed passes before the substitution.

The setback comes at a delicate moment for both club and country. With Nigeria’s October international break looming, questions now surround his fitness for crucial World Cup qualifying fixtures.

Will Dele-Bashiru be available for Super Eagles’ next game?

Medical tests are expected in the coming days to determine the extent of the damage. Should he be ruled out, French-born midfielder Reda Belahyane is in line to take his place, beginning with Lazio’s upcoming fixture against Genoa.

The timing could not be worse for Nigeria. Head coach Eric Chelle has relied on Dele-Bashiru to provide energy and versatility in midfield, especially in matches where the team requires quick transitions from defense to attack. His absence would present a tactical headache for a squad already navigating a tense qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles currently sit second in Group C on 11 points, level with Rwanda and just behind leaders South Africa. The group remains unsettled, with South Africa facing potential sanctions from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee that could reshape the standings.

Regardless of any off-field developments, Nigeria’s objective is straightforward: victory in both remaining qualifiers.