Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is confronted with a significant selection dilemma as Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has emerged as a potential absentee for Nigeria’s vital 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Dele-Bashiru is expected to be sidelined due to an ankle injury sustained during Lazio’s 0-0 draw with Venezia on Saturday.
The injury occurred when he collided with Alessio Zerbin late in the first half, resulting in a sprained ankle.
The Nigerian international required assistance from two members of Lazio’s medical team to leave the field.
Following the match, Lazio head coach Marco Baroni confirmed that Dele-Bashiru will be unavailable for the upcoming fixture against Inter Milan and will undergo additional examinations to assess the extent of the injury.
“We need to evaluate his (Dele-Bashiru) condition. He experienced pain after taking that shot. Given the schedule of matches every two to three days, it will be challenging to have him fit for the next game,” Baroni stated to DAZN.
Nigeria currently occupies the fifth position in Group C, having accumulated only three points from four matches. The Super Eagles are required to achieve victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to rejuvenate their chances of qualification.
Chelle, who is poised to announce his squad for the upcoming qualifiers, will be closely observing Dele-Bashiru’s recovery, hoping that the midfielder can regain his fitness in time to enhance the team’s midfield capabilities.
With six matches remaining in the group, Nigeria must secure a flawless performance to clinch a place in the 2026 World Cup. The potential absence of Dele-Bashiru could pose a considerable setback to Chelle’s strategic plans.
