Dele-Bashiru Returns From Injury As Lazio Beat Monza

Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returned to competitive action after 48 days on the sidelines as Lazio secured a 3-1 victory over Monza at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday.

The Nigerian international came on as a second-half substitute, marking an important step in his recovery from a hamstring injury sustained on the opening day of the season against Bologna.

Dele-Bashiru had missed several matches for the Italian club since picking up the injury, which also ruled him out of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the international friendly against Russia.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle left the midfielder out of his squad for the three matches as he continued his recovery.

However, after receiving medical clearance, Dele-Bashiru returned to Lazio’s matchday squad for Sunday’s Serie A encounter against Monza, giving the midfielder an opportunity to resume his campaign.

Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso introduced the 24-year-old in the 60th minute, replacing Davide Frattesi as the hosts looked to maintain their advantage.

The midfielder made an encouraging contribution during his time on the pitch, completing all his passes, winning one aerial duel and creating a key passing opportunity.

Although his appearance was brief, the performance offered a positive indication of his readiness to return to regular first-team football following his spell on the sidelines.

Lazio had made a strong start to the contest, taking the lead through Nuno Tavares before Gustav Isaksen added a second goal to put the hosts in control.

Monza attempted to fight their way back into the match when Saba Goglichidze reduced the deficit in the second half, raising the prospect of a tense finish at the Stadio Olimpico.

However, Lazio restored their two-goal cushion in the 88th minute through Andrea Pinamonti, whose late strike secured all three points for the home side.

For Dele-Bashiru, the 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, although 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.

For now, Dele-Bashiru’s priority will be to regain full fitness and maintain his momentum after an injury setback that interrupted the early stages of his season.