Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has discussed the significance of Nigeria's iconic number 10 jersey, a number historically worn by the nation's football legends.
The likes of Austin Jay-Jay Okocha, John Obi Mikel, and Kelechi Iheanacho have all donned the number 10 shirt at various points in their illustrious careers with the Super Eagles.
Currently wearing the Super Eagles' number 10 shirt, Dele-Bashiru made headlines by scoring a late winner to secure a 1-0 victory for Nigeria over Libya at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
The new Nigerian number 10 states that he doesn't focus on the significance of his shirt number, whether it's 10 or 80, but instead prioritises giving 100 percent on the pitch and performing to the best of his ability.
Dele-Bashiru: Embracing the legacy of Super Eagles no.10
In a recent interview, Dele-Bashiru reflected on the legacy of Nigeria's number 10 jersey, stressing that while he understands its significance, his focus remains on performance.
He said, “Me personally, I don’t really like to think too much about the number I am wearing. Whether it is number 10, number 80, or anything, he said.”
“My main focus is to give 100 percent on the pitch and to perform to the best of my ability. I don’t really mind. Of course, I understand it’s a number that has a lot of weight behind it. But, I think the main thing is giving 100 percent on the pitch.”
Dele-has scored two goals in five appearances for the Super Eagles since making his debut in 2023.
