Nigeria could be without midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe after the Lazio star sustained an ankle injury during a Serie A match against Venezia on Saturday.
Dele-Bashiru picked up the injury in a collision with Alessio Zerbin late in the first half and had to be carried off by medical staff.
Lazio manager Marco Baroni provided an update after the match, confirming that the injury could keep him sidelined for a while.
“We have to verify his condition,” Baroni told DAZN. “He felt pain after that shot, and with matches coming every two or three days, recovery will be difficult.”
Lazio struggled to break down a well-organized Venezia side, with Baroni admitting his team lacked rhythm. “Venezia sat deep and made it difficult for us to open up spaces. They deserve credit for frustrating us.”
The injury comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, who are set to face Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali on March 21 before hosting Zimbabwe at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo four days later.
With Dele-Bashiru’s availability in doubt, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle may have to rethink his midfield options as Nigeria continues its push for World Cup qualification.