Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is receiving mixed reviews at Serie A club Lazio, as former Nigeria head coach José Peseiro stresses his potential while Lazio’s manager Marco Baroni points out areas needing improvement.
Dele-Bashiru, who joined Lazio on loan from Turkish side Hatayspor during the summer transfer window, has struggled to fully adjust to the tactical and physical demands of Serie A. Despite his challenges, the 23-year-old has managed four goal involvements this season.
Peseiro, who previously worked with Dele-Bashiru during his tenure with the Super Eagles, has backed the midfielder to find his feet at Lazio. Speaking to Sportitalia, Peseiro praised the Nigerian’s abilities and expressed confidence in his long-term success.
“His qualities had struck us a lot when we were evaluating players eligible for the national team. He is showing his value, while still adapting to the demands of Italian football and Lazio. With time, he will achieve the consistency required to thrive,” said Peseiro.
However, earlier comments from Lazio coach Marco Baroni suggest that Dele-Bashiru still has work to do. Following Lazio’s narrow victory over Napoli, Baroni commended the midfielder’s potential but urged him to improve his mentality and match sharpness.
“Dele-Bashiru has great potential, but it’s clear he needs to find the rhythm of the match, the mentality, the physicality, and the quality demanded here. Serie A is unforgiving; mistakes are not tolerated, and he must work harder to meet the demands of this league,” Baroni said, as quoted by BSNSports.
Following this the Nigerian midfielder played a crucial role in Lazio’s 3-1 victory against Ajax, scoring the second goal for Lazio in the game.
Shina Oludare is a distinguished sports journalist and managing editor, renowned for his comprehensive coverage of African football. His dedication to elevating African sports on the global stage has earned him widespread respect, along with numerous accolades for his contributions. A graduate of the LaLiga Business School in Madrid, Oludare’s passion for sports and his influential work in African football journalism have established him as a leading figure in the industry.
