The Super Eagles have been dealt a huge blow ahead of next month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru ruled out through injury, Footynaija.com reports.
Dele-Bashiru picked up a thigh problem during Sunday’s Derby della Capitale against Roma, lasting only 11 minutes before being replaced.
Further examinations by Lazio’s medical team later confirmed a Grade I injury to his right thigh flexor, with an expected recovery time of around one month according to a report by La Lazio Siamo Noi.
Dele-Bashiru’s latest setback means he will miss Nigeria’s pair of qualifying games against Lesotho and Benin in October. It is a particularly frustrating blow for the 24-year-old, who only recently established himself in the Super Eagles setup.
Earlier this month, he came off the bench in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, before earning a starting spot as the Super Eagles battled to a 1-1 draw with South Africa in Bloemfontein.
With his injury, head coach Eric Chelle will now have to reshuffle his midfield selection as the Super Eagles eye two potentially crucial wins against Lesotho and Benin to close out their qualification campaign.
The blow also leaves Lazio’s Maurizio Sarri short of options in the middle of the park. The Biancocelesti were already stretched, with Nicolo Rovella nursing a groin issue and Matias Vecino not fully fit.
Matteo Guendouzi is suspended for two games, while Reda Belahyane, who replaced Dele-Bashiru on Sunday, received a red card. As things stand, Danilo Cataldi is the only fully available midfielder for Lazio’s next fixtures against Genoa and Torino.
Dele-Bashiru and Lazio are targeting a possible return against Atalanta on October 19. Until then, both club and country will have to cope without one of their most dynamic midfielders.
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