Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s comeback at Lazio has hit a snag. His potential call-up for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is heavily influencing the club’s strategy.
The Nigerian midfielder suffered a hamstring injury in September. This occurred during the intense Rome derby against AS Roma. The setback removed him from the squad entirely. He has now recovered and is ready for action. This is a timely boost for Lazio, especially after Nicolo Rovella’s long-term injury.
However, reports from Football Italia indicate caution from the club. Lazio expects Dele-Bashiru to join Nigeria for AFCON. The club fears updating its squad list now would create confusion. They would then need to adjust it again when he departs for international duty. A final decision on his league role will likely come after the tournament.
The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder also faces transfer speculation. Reports suggest a possible January move. This adds another layer of uncertainty to his Lazio future.
Okon Joins South Africa’s Provisional AFCON Squad
In other AFCON news, Nigerian-born defender Ime Okon received a call-up. He is in South Africa’s provisional squad for the tournament.
Okon is among 54 players selected by head coach Hugo Broos. Broos will later reduce the squad to 24. The 21-year-old has a Nigerian father and a South African mother. He has already earned five caps for Bafana Bafana.
The South African Football Association confirmed the final squad. They will unveil it ‘in the coming days’.
CAF set a deadline of December 11. All participating countries must submit their final AFCON squads by then.
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