Injury watch: Eric Chelle left sweating over the fitness of Lazio midfielder ahead of key WCQs

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle faces a major selection headache as Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru emerges as a doubt for Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.  

Dele-Bashiru suffered an ankle injury during Lazio’s goalless draw against Venezia on Saturday evening and was forced off in the 41st minute, replaced by Reda Belahyane.

The setback now casts doubt on his availability for the Super Eagles’ must-win fixtures in March.  

Speaking after the game, Lazio head coach Marco Baroni confirmed that Dele-Bashiru will miss the upcoming clash against Inter Milan and is set to undergo further tests to determine the severity of the injury.  

"He has a sprained ankle, he twisted in the tackle. He felt a sharp pain when he kicked. Tomorrow (today) we will do tests, he will definitely not be available for San Siro , we will see for the next one again," Baroni stated, according to Radiosei.

With Nigeria currently fifth in Group C with just three points from four games, the Super Eagles must secure victories against Rwanda and Zimbabwe to revive their qualification hopes.

Chelle, who is set to announce his squad for the qualifiers, will be closely monitoring Dele-Bashiru’s recovery and hoping the midfielder regains fitness in time to bolster the team’s midfield options.  

With six matches left in the group, Nigeria needs a perfect run to secure a spot at the 2026 World Cup, and Dele-Bashiru’s potential absence could be a significant blow to Chelle’s plans.

Adeyemi Adewale

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