Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is facing uncertainty regarding his availability for Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, following an ankle injury sustained during Lazio’s Serie A match against Venezia on Saturday.
The midfielder suffered a sprain in a collision with Alessio Zerbin just before half-time. Medical staff promptly carried Dele-Bashiru off the pitch, with Rade Belahyane stepping in as his replacement.
After the game, Lazio manager Marco Baroni provided an update on the player’s condition.
“We need to assess his situation further. He felt pain after taking that shot,” Baroni explained to DAZN. “With matches coming up every two to three days, it will be challenging to have him fit for the next fixture.”
Baroni also reflected on the match, noting the difficulty in breaking down a resolute Venezia defence. “Venezia sat very deep, and it was not easy for us to find spaces. We attempted to circulate the ball with short passes, but they disrupted our flow and we struggled to establish a rhythm. Venezia deserve a great deal of credit for frustrating our efforts.”
The Super Eagles are set to face the Amavubi of Rwanda in a crucial qualifying match on Friday, March 21, at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali. Following that, Eric Chelle’s side will host the Warriors of Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo just four days later.
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