Dele-Bashiru surprised to make Eagles squad before brother

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru says he is surprised to have earned a Super Eagles call-up ahead of his elder brother Tom Dele-Bashiru, expressing delight at playing for Nigeria, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Despite being born in Manchester, England, to parents of Nigerian descent, both brothers committed their future to Nigeria, with the elder Dele-Bashiru termed the favourite to break into the Super Eagles.

The former Manchester City midfielder represented Nigeria at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup finals in Poland and had been tipped to an immediate invitation to the senior following an impressive performance at the age-grade tournament.

Surprisingly, the 25-year-old has not received the much anticipated call up, much to the surprise of his brother, who, in contrast, did not play for any Nigerian youth teams.

Speaking about his involvement with the senior team, Fisayo said, “I’ve always been surprised that I would be given an opportunity to play for my country at this stage of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and do not take it for granted.

“Tom is equally doing well… I didn’t know I would be considered for the Super Eagles before him. I’m happy for the opportunity.”

Fisayo also revealed that his brother, currently playing for Watford in the English Championship, is proud of his achievements.

“We laugh over it, and I intend to make him proud like he has been making the family proud.”

Though several Nigerian fans got a glimpse of the midfielder when he scored on his debut for the country during an international friendly game against Mozambique in 2023, the 23-year-old had his connection dated back to 2019, when, as a 17-year-old, he was part of Nigeria’s training camp ahead of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.

He failed to make the final squad for the tournament where his brother shone, but he had since made up for that with impressive outings with the senior team.

Despite being included in nine squad call-ups, he has started only three matches, but his output—two goals and an assist—shows his value as an impact player, with the game against Libya the most decisive.

As the Super Eagles prepare for the second leg against Libya, Austine Eguavoen will hope that the Lazio midfielder can replicate his performance and help Nigeria secure a double over the Mediterranean Knights.