Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is at a crucial point in his season as Lazio prepare for a make-or-break Europa League quarter-final second leg against Norwegian side FK Bodø/Glimt.
The Italian side suffered a shock 2-0 defeat in Norway last Thursday. Playing on a cold, windy evening, Lazio struggled to find their rhythm, and the artificial pitch did not help their cause.
They now face a tough challenge in Rome—overturning a two-goal deficit if they want to reach the semi-finals of the competition.
Last weekend’s Rome derby against fierce rivals AS Roma ended in a 1-1 draw, with a lingering feeling they may have played it safe with the second leg against Bodø/Glimt clearly in mind.
Dele-Bashiru, who started the derby and was taken off in the 79th minute for Reda Belahyane, never really asserted himself in the game. Indeed, since returning from injury, the Nigeria international has yet to fully hit his stride, save for getting the assist for Lazio's winner against Atalanta.
What a finish, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru 👏#UEL pic.twitter.com/Z2EOPPnuzg
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) September 27, 2024
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru the key for Lazio against FK Bodø/Glimt.
Despite these recent dips, Dele-Bashiru’s presence in the Lazio midfield is still significant.
He has three goals and one assist in 19 Serie A matches this season.
In Europe, he’s been even more productive—scoring twice and assisting twice in just eight Europa League games.
That return shows he tends to deliver on the European stage. And with Lazio needing a strong performance to stay in the competition, Dele-Bashiru could play a central role.
His energy, ability to drive forward from midfield, and physical strength will be crucial as Lazio try to dominate the Norwegians in Rome and push for a place in the semi-finals.
