Dele-Bashiru suffers injury blow ahead W’Cup qualifiers

• Published On: 23 February 2025 at 19:47

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, a Super Eagles midfielder, suffered an ankle injury in Lazio's goalless draw against Venezia on Saturday, casting doubt on his availability for Nigeria's crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers next month, NIGERIANWATCH Sports reports.

The 24-year-old midfielder was forced off after 41 minutes due to a collision with Alessio Zerbin in the 36th minute.

Lazio manager Marco Baroni confirmed the midfielder's injury status following the game.

"We need to verify his condition. He felt pain when he took the shot. "Playing every two or three days, it will be difficult to get him ready for the next match," Baroni told DAZN.


According to Italian sources, the Nigerian could be out until after the March international break, complicating Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle's plans for the upcoming qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.


Before his substitution, Dele-Bashiru had completed 24 of 26 passes, had 30 touches, and attempted one key pass in an otherwise strong performance.

The injury adds to Chelle's selection dilemma as he attempts to revive Nigeria's stalled World Cup qualification campaign, with the Eagles winless and fifth in Group C with only three points from four games.

Dele-Bashiru has made 22 appearances for Lazio this season, scoring five goals and assisting twice. In Serie A, he has appeared 16 times, starting six and scoring three goals while maintaining an impressive 91% passing accuracy.

The midfielder will undergo additional tests to determine the severity of his injury.