Nigeria midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has spoken about his role in the team following the Super Eagles’ 3-1 victory over Uganda, as well as the team’s mindset heading into the Round of 16.

Dele-Bashiru, who impressed with his energy and composure in midfield, described himself as a natural midfielder but emphasized his versatility.

"I am naturally a midfielder but I am quite versatile as a player wherever the coach wants me to play I will play," he said. 

Reflecting on the match, Dele-Bashiru praised the team’s performance and mentality, especially considering Nigeria had already secured qualification for the knockout stage.

"I think the boys played well today. It was a game that we could have easily overlooked as we're already through to the Round of 16, but I think we showed our quality today and we showed our fight, and we showed a very good mentality to go and get the three points," he added. 

Looking ahead to the Round of 16, Dele-Bashiru insisted the team would be ready for any opponent.

"We are always for whoever or whichever opposition we are going to face. Tomorrow (on Wednesday) we would watch this game back and analyze the things we did well and the things we didn't from there we would work towards whoever our opposition is in the Round of 16 and we would be ready," Dele-Bashiru said. 

He also dismissed concerns about the weather conditions in Morocco, noting that his experience playing in England prepared him well.

"No, I used to play in England, so it was much worse in England. I am used to the weather, it's fine," he said. 

Nigeria’s win over Uganda capped a strong group-stage campaign and boosted confidence as the Super Eagles prepare for the knockout phase of the competition.

Adeyemi Adewale