Ahead of Lazio's encounter with Udinese on Saturday, manager Marco Baroni stressed the importance of boosting Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's confidence.
Dele-Bashiru, currently on a season-long loan at Lazio from Turkish side Hatayspor, made his Serie A debut last weekend in Le Aquile's 3-1 home victory over Venezia. The Nigeria international played the entire match as Baroni's side secured their first win of the season.
In that game, Dele-Bashiru recorded a 96% pass accuracy, made two key tackles, and recovered the ball 11 times. He also demonstrated a 100% success rate with his dribbles and won 50% of his ground duels.
Baroni, who described the 23-year-old as “devastating” following his impressive performance, has emphasised the need to build up his confidence.
He acknowledged the midfielder's significant physical and technical attributes but noted the challenge of adapting to a different football background.
Baroni stresses adaptation and confidence for Dele-Bashiru following strong debut
In the pre-match press conference ahead of this weekend's fixture, Baroni stressed the importance of enhancing Dele-Bashiru’s confidence.
“The boy needs to be built up. He has important physical and technical characteristics, he comes from a different football, a different way of being on the field. We need to give him confidence, without that you go nowhere.”
Up to four Nigerians could be involved in Lazio's clash with Udinese, with the majority being on Udinese's roster. The Nigerian players on Udinese's side include goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, Kingsley Ehizibue, and Isaac Success.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru scored his maiden Super Eagles goal in the 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on 7 July. Unfortunately, he sustained an injury later in the game, causing him to miss Nigeria's 2-1 defeat to Benin days later.
