Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has suffered an injury scare just weeks before Nigeria begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, Footynaija.com reports.
Dele-Bashiru started Lazio’s Serie A opener against Bologna on Monday but had to come off the field of play in the 54th minute after suffering what appeared to be a muscular problem.
Davide Frattesi took the Nigeria international’s place in the middle of the park and went on to score the only goal of the game as Lazio secured a 1-0 victory away from home.
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Reports from Italy suggest the seriousness of Dele-Bashiru’s problem is yet to be ascertained, with the midfielder now expected to undergo further medical checks to determine the extent of the injury.
The setback comes at an unfortunate time for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, with Dele-Bashiru becoming an increasingly important player for Nigeria. He offers Chelle versatility in midfield and can operate as either a No. 10 or in a deeper role.
Dele-Bashiru played an important role during Nigeria’s most recent round of international friendlies, providing an assist in the Super Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Portugal in June while also featuring off the bench against Poland.
He had also made a bright start to the new season with Lazio, scoring in their 6-0 pre-season win over Flaminia before playing 71 minutes in the Coppa Italia defeat to Mantova.
His latest injury scare could therefore come as a concern for both Lazio and Nigeria, particularly with the September international window fast approaching.
The Super Eagles are set to face Madagascar before taking on Guinea-Bissau in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Chelle will be hoping that Dele-Bashiru’s problem is not serious enough to rule him out of the crucial fixtures.
