Fisayo Dele-Bashiru expresses surprise at his selection over former Man City youngster

Published on by Toyosi Afolayan, updated on

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has admitted his surprise at earning a Super Eagles call-up ahead of his older brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru. 

Both brothers have been on Nigeria’s radar, with Tom widely expected to break into the senior national team first, especially after his appearances for the Flying Eagles at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Olympic Eagles.

However, while Tom’s senior national team debut is still pending, 23-year-old Fisayo has already made his mark. The Lazio midfielder earned his Super Eagles debut in 2023 and has impressed with two goals and an assist, including the decisive winner in a 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying victory against Libya.

Surprise Super Eagles call-up & brother’s support

Reflecting on his unexpected rise, Fisayo expressed his gratitude for the opportunity. “I’ve always been surprised that I would be given an opportunity to play for my country at this stage of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and do not take it for granted,” he told The Nation.

Despite his success, Fisayo maintains a close bond with his brother Tom, who currently plays for Watford in the Sky Bet Championship.

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“Tom is equally doing well… I didn’t know I would be considered for the Super Eagles before him. I’m happy for the opportunity,” Fisayo added.

The younger Dele-Bashiru revealed that his brother is proud of his achievements and that there is no sibling rivalry. “We laugh over it, and I intend to make him proud like he has been making the family proud,” Fisayo said.

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Toyosi Afolayan

Toyosi Afolayan is a sports journalist who breathes life into the games we love. He loves to combine insightful analysis with historical background, creating a richer understanding of sports. Afolayan's expertise ranges from captivating narratives to live broadcasts, captivating audiences across platforms like Ojbsport, AllNigeriaSoccer, TVC Entertainment, Bounce Networks, Kwara TV, ICIR, EaglesTracker, and NFF TV. His background in History and International Studies adds depth, revealing the connections between sports, politics, and national identity.