Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made a comeback to competitive football after a 48-day injury layoff. He came on as a second-half substitute for Lazio in their 3-1 win over Monza at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday. Dele-Bashiru had been sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained on the opening day of the season against Bologna. His return is a significant boost for both Lazio and the Super Eagles.
Dele-Bashiru's injury had forced him to miss several Lazio matches and also ruled him out of Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as an international friendly against Russia. Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle had left him out of the squad for those matches as he continued his recovery. Dele-Bashiru's return to Lazio's matchday squad was a positive development for the team.
Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso introduced Dele-Bashiru in the 60th minute, replacing Davide Frattesi. During his time on the pitch, Dele-Bashiru made an encouraging contribution, completing all his passes, winning one aerial duel, and creating a key passing opportunity. His brief appearance offered a positive indication of his readiness to return to regular first-team football.
Lazio had made a strong start to the contest, taking the lead through Nuno Tavares before Gustav Isaksen added a second goal. Monza attempted to fight back into the match when Saba Goglichidze reduced the deficit in the second half. However, Lazio restored their two-goal cushion in the 88th minute through Andrea Pinamonti, securing all three points for the home side.
Dele-Bashiru's return represents a timely boost as he seeks to regain full match fitness and establish himself in Lazio's midfield. His absence had deprived the Super Eagles of another midfield option during their recent international engagements. Nigeria had to proceed without him while he recovered from the injury.
The midfielder will now hope to build on Sunday's appearance by securing more playing time for Lazio in the coming weeks. A sustained return to action would also strengthen his prospects of rejoining the Super Eagles setup as Nigeria continue their preparations for the 2027 AFCON campaign. Dele-Bashiru's priority will be to regain full fitness and maintain his momentum after an injury setback.
Dele-Bashiru's comeback is a significant development for both Lazio and the Super Eagles. He will look to build on his brief appearance and secure a regular spot in Lazio's midfield. His return to action will also provide a boost to the Super Eagles as they prepare for their upcoming fixtures.
Key points
- Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returns to action after 48 days on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.
- Dele-Bashiru's return is a boost for Lazio and the Super Eagles as he seeks to regain full match fitness.
- Lazio secured a 3-1 victory over Monza at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday.
