AFCON 2025 participation threatens future of Super Eagles star in Serie A

Lazio have taken a firm stance on the future of Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and their latest decision suggests the Nigerian midfielder faces an uncertain spell in Serie A.

Despite being fully fit again, he has been left out of the squad, and the reasons stretch beyond simple team selection.

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has recovered from the injury that sidelined him for weeks, but Lazio have opted not to reinstate him to their official Serie A squad list.

The midfielder was removed at the time of his injury, and even though Nicolo Rovella is now out long-term after electing to undergo surgery for chronic pubalgia, Maurizio Sarri’s side still chose not to bring Dele-Bashiru back in.

According to club sources, the decision is purely strategic. With the Africa Cup of Nations approaching, Lazio believe re-registering him would only create “unnecessary disruption” within the squad, given he would soon leave for international duty anyway.

The coaching staff also remain unconvinced by his performances earlier in the campaign, which were described by insiders as “underwhelming and inconsistent.”

As a result, the club prefer to maintain stability rather than shuffle the squad list multiple times. Dele-Bashiru will miss the Lecce match and remain unavailable until further notice as Lazio monitor how the coming months unfold.

Lazio’s long-term plan for Dele-Bashiru will not be decided until after AFCON, with the club considering several factors before committing to his future.

His participation in the tournament is viewed as a complication for squad planning, but it also serves as an audition that could influence his fate.

Internally, Lazio are weighing up whether there is a realistic market for the Nigeria international. Should interest arise, the club may choose to move him on rather than reintegrate him. A senior figure at the club reportedly said the final call will depend on “performance, opportunities and balance within the squad.”

For now, Dele-Bashiru sits in limbo, fit, available, but outside the squad, with AFCON set to play a decisive role in determining whether he still has a future in Rome or becomes a candidate for a January or summer exit.