Fisayo Dele-Bashiru faces a race against time after suffering a thigh injury for Lazio. The Nigeria international picked up the problem against Bologna in Serie A. Lazio won the match 1-0 at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on August 24.
Dele-Bashiru’s recent form
Dele-Bashiru started Lazio’s Serie A opener. He played 54 minutes before leaving the game. He also featured against Mantova on August 16. The midfielder played 71 minutes in that match.
His recent form also includes international involvement. Dele-Bashiru provided an assist against Portugal in June. He also scored against Pisa in Lazio’s 2-1 win in May. Those performances underline his value in midfield.
Medical tests have now confirmed a first-degree flexor strain. The injury affects his right thigh. Reports indicate a recovery period of 15 to 20 days.
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Nigeria face uncertainty
The setback could affect Dele-Bashiru’s availability for Nigeria. The Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign next month.
Nigeria will face Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau in Group L. CAF has scheduled the first two matchdays between September 21 and October 6.
Tanzania already holds an automatic place as a co-host. Therefore, only the highest-ranked non-host team in Group L will qualify.
That makes Nigeria’s opening matches especially important. Dele-Bashiru’s absence could also affect Eric Chelle’s midfield plans.
The 25-year-old has become a regular option for the Super Eagles. His recovery will now determine whether he can join the squad.
Lazio will also miss Adam Marusic during the same period. Both players could miss Lazio’s next three league games. Those matches come against Genoa, Udinese and Milan.
They could return for the meeting with Venezia. However, their recovery progress will determine their availability.
For Dele-Bashiru, the timing creates an added concern. Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers arrive soon after the expected recovery window.
The midfielder has not been ruled out of the qualifiers. However, every day of his rehabilitation now matters.
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