Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru signed off for the the international break as he scored for Hatayspor in their 3-1 home win over Samsunpor in the Turkish top flight league.
The 23 year old was named in the Super Eagles squad for the international friendlies against Ghana and Mali next week as Nigeria begin life post-AFCON.
Dele-Bashiru was in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast but did not make the cut as the Super Eagles finished second losing to the hosts 2-1 in the final.
The midfielder started the game from the bench and only got on in the 56th minute but made his minutes count.
He profited from an assist from Rigoberto Rivas to score for Hatayspor and grab his fifth goal of the season and then became provider for Rivas to round up the scoring in a comprehensive 3-0 home win.
The former Manchester City and Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has played 28 games for his Turkish club this season, scoring five goals with three assists in the league.
In total, Dele-Bashiru has featured in 31 games for his club in all competitions, with a combined six goals and six assists.
With the Super Eagles getting back to international duty, Dele-Bashiru will be reuniting with the squad after he was first invited by former coach Jose Peseiro last October for the international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru seeks international breakthrough
As a new era stars for the Super Eagles, Dele-Bashiru will be zoned in to fight for a spot in the team and become a permanent fixture in the national set-up.
This upcoming international window presents a significant chance for Dele-Bashiru to showcase his talent and convince the new coaching staff of his value to the team. He'll be laser-focused on securing a regular spot in the Super Eagles' midfield, especially with a new era dawning for the national side.
Dele-Bashiru's performance in these upcoming matches could be a springboard for him to become a permanent fixture in the Super Eagles squad.
While the core of the team that finished runners-up at the recent Africa Cup of Nations remains intact, there's a renewed sense of opportunity for several players.
The return of defensive stalwart Wilfred Ndidi from injury is a major boost, while England-based defender Jamilu Collins and Tyronne Ebuehi from Italian side Empoli are back in the fold after missing out on the AFCON. Up front, Glasgow Rangers' Cyriel Dessers adds fire-power to the attack.
A newcomer to the squad is Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho, although his participation is uncertain due to a recent knee injury.
Former U23 centre-back Benjamin Tianimu also received his first call-up, adding depth to the defensive options.
Nigeria takes on Ghana at the Grande Stade de Marrakech on March 22nd while the game against Mali takes place four days later at the same venue.
