National Teams
2026 FIFA WCQ: Fisayo Dele-Bashiru relishes playing for Nigeria against South Africa
By Wale Mustapha
Nigeria midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is anticipating playing for the Super Eagles when they take on South Africa on Friday.
The Hatayspor midfielder was included in the 23-man list for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. Dele-Bashiru was born in England and is returning to Nigeria for the first time in 20 years.
The 23-year-old who has one cap with the Super Eagles has never played for the team on home soil. The former Sheffield Wednesday player said it is a remarkable thing to play for Nigeria.
“It means everything to me, from my family, my parents, it means a lot. I am always happy to make my brother, Mom, Dad, Cousins, uncles, and everyone proud,” he told Pooja Media in an interview in Uyo.
“Nigeria is a country of over 200 million population so it’s not an easy thing to play for the national team, I’m always proud to play for them.”
