Sarri to Drop Super Eagles’ Dele Bashiru from Lazio’s Serie A Squad
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 29 — 09
Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri is set to drop Nigerian midfielder Fisayo Dele Bashiru from the club’s Serie A squad list, in a controversial decision that has already sparked debate within the Italian side’s hierarchy.
Sarri is expected to leave out the Super Eagles star in order to make room for Croatian midfielder Toma Basic, who will be recalled to cover a mounting midfield crisis at the Stadio Olimpico.
Dele Bashiru recently suffered a muscle injury that will rule him out for about a month. His absence adds to Lazio’s problems, with Nicolò Rovella battling a groin issue, while Matteo Guendouzi and Reda Belahyane are suspended after picking up red cards.
Although some officials reportedly preferred dropping full backs Manuel Lazzari or Elseid Hysaj, Sarri has insisted on sacrificing Dele Bashiru. Serie A rules only allow two squad list changes before January, meaning once the Nigerian midfielder is omitted, he cannot be reinstated until the new year.
The timing complicates matters further, as Dele Bashiru is expected to return to full fitness by late October and will also be called up by Nigeria for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December.
This move could affect his playing rhythm ahead of Nigeria’s continental campaign, where the 23 year old is expected to play a key role for the Super Eagles.
