Dele-Bashiru given clean bill of health to return to action ahead of WCQs; Maduka Okoye is back

Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has received the medical green light to make his comeback from injury, allnigeriasoccer.com reports. 

The Manchester City academy graduate has been included in Lazio's matchday squad for the Serie A meeting with Udinese at the Olimpico di Roma on Monday night, but starts on the bench.

Dele-Bashiru was not called up for three consecutive games in all competitions contested by the Biancocelesti because of an ankle injury he suffered during the goalless draw at Venezia on February 22.

After being named in Nigeria's provisional squad for the 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda's Wasps and Zimbabwe's Warriors, Dele-Bashiru seemed to be in a race against time to convince manager Eric Chelle that his injury woes were a thing of the past.

However, he should put himself back in contention to be named in the final list of players summoned for the March internationals if given minutes tonight.

The major talking point in Udinese’s starting lineup is the return of Super Eagles shot-stopper Maduka Okoye, whose selection in the provisional squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers caught many by surprise.

Okoye has received his first call-up for a competitive game since December 1, 2024 when he went the distance in a Serie A match between Udinese and Genoa. 

Having recovered completely from his wrist injury, the German-born goalkeeper is now under the spotlight, as speculation grows over whether he will secure a place in the final squad for the World Cup qualifiers after being included in the provisional selection

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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