Turkey-based midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could well make his official debut for the Super Eagles tonight in a make-or-mar 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
The 23-year-old Hatayspor star has been lined up by coach Finidi George in a midfield that also has Premier League stars Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi.
Onyeka will be the main defensive midfield pivot with Alex Iwobi playing ahead of him, while Dele-Bashiru, an attacking or central midfielder, will play behind the top striker to provide creative spark to the top striker in a 4-3-3 formation.
He made his Super Eagles debut in a friendly against Mozambique in October 2023, when he replaced Sadiq Umar in the 61st minute.
Nigeria won the game 3-2.
The younger Tom Dele-Bashiru, who has been capped by the Flying Eagles, has enjoyed an eventful debut season in the Turkish Super Lig to already attract interest from Italian Serie A club Lazio.
He scored eight goals including a season-saving effort at Besiktas and provided five assists in 36 appearances for Hatayspor to escape relegation on the final day of the campaign.
