Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri has offered fresh insight into the uncertainty surrounding Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's potential call-up to the Super Eagles ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Dele-Bashiru has been sidelined for the past two months, missing Nigeria's last four games, including 2026 World Cup qualifiers and playoff fixtures, due to a long-term injury. 

The 24-year-old only recently returned to full training, but his lack of match fitness has raised questions about his readiness for international duty.

Speaking ahead of Lazio's weekend clash, Sarri revealed he had been asked to hold off on making a decision regarding the midfielder's involvement.

When asked whether he had received any indication from Nigeria regarding Dele-Bashiru’s potential Africa Cup of Nations call-up, Sarri was quoted by Tuttomercatoweb as saying: "Yesterday, 24 hours before a crucial match for me, I didn't have many meetings; I was focused on the match.

"They asked me to wait two or three days, and that's fine. Dele could have been available, but he hasn't played in two months and could have played fifteen minutes at most."

Despite making his return from injury, Dele-Bashiru was not included in Lazio's squad for their 2-0 victory over Lecce at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

After the match, Sarri further explained the situation, disclosing that the club advised him to delay the player's return to action.

 "I decided to reinstate Dele-Bashiru on Friday, but the club then asked me to wait another week. We'll talk about it tomorrow," he noted. 

Dele-Bashiru has missed Lazio's last eight league matches since suffering the injury in September. 

The midfielder will be eager to regain match sharpness and strengthen his case for an AFCON invitation as Nigeria finalises its squad preparations for the continental showpiece.

Adeyemi Adewale