Nigeria await Dele-Bashiru injury update before 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle will learn more about Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s fitness on Wednesday, when the Lazio midfielder undergoes medical tests following an injury in his club’s Serie A opener against Bologna.

Dele-Bashiru and Lazio defender Adam Marusic are due to have instrumental tests at the Pret Medica facility in Rome after both players were forced to leave Monday’s 1-0 defeat at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara. Lazio are concerned that the pair may have suffered injuries to their thigh flexor muscles.

Dele-Bashiru started the match but was replaced at the beginning of the second half. The results of the examination should give Chelle a clearer indication of whether the midfielder will be available for Nigeria’s opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign next month.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group L by CAF alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. The first two rounds of qualifying fixtures are scheduled to take place between 21 September and 6 October, with the Super Eagles set to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their opening games.

Dele-Bashiru has established himself as an important midfield option for Chelle. The Manchester City academy graduate was part of the Super Eagles squad that won a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, and his availability would provide Nigeria with an experienced choice in the centre of the pitch.

The 24-year-old was also involved throughout Lazio’s pre-season preparations. He featured in their 2-1 victory over Ascoli on 2 August before starting the club’s first league match of the new campaign.

His injury is the latest concern for Nigeria as preparations begin for the qualifiers. Femi Azeez and Semi Ajayi have also experienced injury problems in recent days, adding to the uncertainty surrounding Chelle’s selection plans.

Chelle’s new contract has given him responsibility for both the Super Eagles and Nigeria’s U-23 team. The National Sports Commission announced in June that he would remain in charge of the senior side until 2030, as Nigeria aim to produce a stronger performance at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

The timing of Dele-Bashiru’s assessment leaves Chelle with limited time to make decisions before the qualification campaign begins. If the midfielder’s problem proves to be minor, he could still be available for the September fixtures and continue his role in the team.

A longer absence, however, would require Chelle to consider alternative midfield options before Nigeria begin their first competitive matches of the new qualification cycle.