Fisayo Dele-Bashiru made his return from injury as Lazio defeated Monza 3-1 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday.
The Super Eagles midfielder had not featured competitively for the Biancocelesti since suffering a hamstring injury on the opening day of the season against Bologna.
His injury also ruled him out of Nigeria’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as the international friendly against Russia, after head coach Eric Chelle opted not to include him in the squad.
However, Dele-Bashiru has now received medical clearance to resume playing, paving the way for his inclusion in Lazio’s matchday squad for the encounter against Monza.
Forty-eight days after his season debut, Lazio manager Gennaro Gattuso introduced the Nigerian international in the 60th minute, with the midfielder coming on as a substitute for Davide Frattesi.
Lazio secured the victory with early goals from Nuno Tavares and Gustav Isaksen.
Saba Goglichidze pulled one back for Monza in the second half, but Andrea Pinamonti sealed the result with a late strike in the 88th minute.
Dele-Bashiru completed 100 per cent of his passes, won one aerial duel and registered a key pass during his time on the pitch, marking an encouraging return to action.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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