Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, the dynamic Super Eagles midfielder, has marked his return from an ankle injury, offering a much-needed boost to his Italian club, Lazio. Dele-Bashiru’s presence on the bench for Lazio’s Serie A clash against Torino signifies a positive step in his recovery journey, which began after he sustained the injury during a goalless draw against Venezia in February. This injury not only sidelined him from club duties but also prevented him from representing Nigeria in the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in March. The timing of the injury was particularly unfortunate, impacting both his club’s pursuit of Champions League qualification and his national team aspirations.
The injury, a result of a collision with Venezia’s Alessio Zerbin, forced Dele-Bashiru off the field after just 41 minutes. The incident immediately raised concerns about the severity of the injury, with Lazio manager Marco Baroni expressing apprehension about the midfielder’s availability for subsequent matches. This concern was well-founded, as the injury proved significant enough to keep him out of action for several weeks. The absence of the Nigerian international was undoubtedly a blow to Lazio, who were, and still are, in a fierce battle for a Champions League spot in a highly competitive Serie A.
Dele-Bashiru’s return comes at a pivotal moment for Lazio, who are striving to regain their footing after a demoralizing 5-0 defeat against Bologna. This heavy loss saw them slip down to fifth place in the Serie A standings, intensifying the pressure to secure positive results in the remaining fixtures. The midfielder’s availability offers a renewed sense of optimism, injecting creativity and dynamism back into the Lazio squad. His contributions this season have been significant, highlighting his importance to the team’s overall performance.
The 24-year-old Nigerian has been a key figure for Lazio throughout the season, making 22 appearances across various competitions. He has showcased his attacking prowess with five goals and two assists, demonstrating his ability to contribute both in creating and finishing scoring opportunities. Specifically in Serie A, Dele-Bashiru has featured in 16 matches, starting six of them and finding the back of the net three times. Beyond his goal contributions, his impressive 91% passing accuracy underscores his composure and effectiveness in distributing the ball, facilitating Lazio’s build-up play. This return not only bolsters Lazio’s midfield options but also provides a psychological lift to the squad.
Dele-Bashiru’s return is also timely considering Lazio’s upcoming UEFA Europa League quarter-final clash against Bodo/Glimt. This competition presents an alternative route to Champions League qualification for next season, adding further significance to his availability. The Nigerian international’s presence in the midfield could prove crucial in navigating the challenges posed by Bodo/Glimt and progressing further in the tournament. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, create scoring chances, and contribute defensively will be vital assets for Lazio in their pursuit of European glory.
In conclusion, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s return from injury is a welcome development for both Lazio and the player himself. His recovery provides a timely boost to Lazio’s ambitions of securing Champions League football, whether through a top-four finish in Serie A or by winning the Europa League. His contributions on the field, characterized by his goal-scoring ability, creative playmaking, and high passing accuracy, make him a valuable asset to the squad. With the crucial stages of the season approaching, Dele-Bashiru’s presence will undoubtedly strengthen Lazio’s chances of achieving their objectives and solidify his status as a key player for the Biancocelesti.
