DELE-VERED! Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle gets AFCON 2025 boost as key midfielder completes miracle return

Franco-Malian coach Eric Chelle gets a massive boost as Super Eagles midfield dynamo Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returned to action just ahead of AFCON 2025 after months out with injury.

The Nigerian international featured for Lazio against AC Milan on Saturday for the first time since September, marking a timely comeback for the midfielder whose presence was sorely missed.

Dele-Bashiru’s last outing before injury was only 14 minutes against former leaders AS Roma in late September.

Since then, the Super Eagles have lacked his dynamic midfield energy, especially when they hosted South Africa in Uyo, where his influence was deeply felt.

His recovery journey has been painstaking and closely monitored by Lazio’s medical staff.

On Saturday, Dele-Bashiru came off the bench to play 28 crucial minutes for Lazio, completing an impressive 92% of his passes and creating one chance, including a key pass.

This return demonstrated his sharpness and readiness just when coach Eric Chelle needed him most for the intense battle ahead at AFCON in Morocco.

Nigerians will be thrilled by the timing despite calls from Lazio fans for the Manchester City graduate to leave the club.

His return is not just a relief but a game-changer for Nigeria’s midfield blueprint, offering the mix of physicality, creativity, and drive Chelle values, especially in a Super Eagles midfield lacking in quality depth.

This emotional comeback symbolises sacrifice and resilience, with Dele-Bashiru set to prove he’s ready to boost the Super Eagles’ engine room and help ignite Nigeria’s quest for AFCON glory.