Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has opened up about the driving force behind his rise in football, crediting his brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru, as his greatest inspiration.

Reflecting on his time at Manchester City, where he struggled to break into the first team, Dele-Bashiru shared how watching Tom excel in his career ignited his determination to improve his game, Footballrover reports.

The Nigerian international, known for his recent stellar performances in the national team, emphasised the role Tom played in his journey.

“When I was growing up, he was my biggest motivation. He was doing so well while I struggled, especially during my time at Manchester City. Seeing him thrive pushed me to improve myself,” Dele told Making of Champions.

With two crucial goals for the Super Eagles under his belt, Dele-Bashiru is becoming a key figure in Nigeria’s midfield setup.

Dele-Bashiru’s journey of resilience

Despite his progress, setbacks have also featured in his career. Dele-Bashiru missed Nigeria’s final AFCON 2025 qualifier against Rwanda due to an injury sustained during training.

A strapped left knee forced him to withdraw from the squad, leaving Coach Augustine Eguavoen to prioritise his recovery over risking further damage.

The Lazio midfielder, who has steadily carved a place for himself in the Super Eagles, spoke passionately about his love for representing Nigeria.

Dele, who has scored against South Africa and Libya, claimed that while scoring goals is great, he values team success above personal achievements.

However, injury setbacks have occasionally interrupted his momentum. Earlier, he missed the clash against Benin Republic, where Victor Osimhen’s late goal salvaged a draw.

With Nigeria already assured of an AFCON berth, there’s no urgency to rush Dele-Bashiru back, ensuring he returns to the field fully fit.

While sidelined for now, his focus remains on contributing to the Super Eagles’ success in the years to come.

Like this post?
We’d be delighted to hear from you. Please leave a comment in the box below!

Last Updated on November 17, 2024 1:27 pm by footballrover