Super Eagles and Lazio midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, has revealed his tough experiences while playing for Manchester City, SMI reports

The former Sheffield Wednesday player acknowledged the significant role his older brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru, played in helping him navigate challenges and develop his skills as a footballer.

Fisayo began his career in Manchester City’s U-18 team, where he made three domestic league appearances, scoring three goals. In the 2019-2020 season, the 23-year-old progressed to the U-23 side, contributing one goal and one assist in 14 league matches.

Speaking ahead of Nigeria’s clash against Rwanda, the Lazio star told Making of Champions that his brother’s success inspired him during his early career struggles.

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

Now plying his trade with Serie A side Lazio, Fisayo has been an integral part of Marco Baroni’s squad, registering one goal and three assists in their Europa League campaign.

On the international stage, the midfielder has made five appearances for the Super Eagles, netting two goals.

As Nigeria prepares for their final 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda, Fisayo will be aiming to continue his impressive form under interim coach Augustine Eguavoen.

Ademola Lookman is the latest player to withdraw from the Super Eagles’ squad ahead of the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda, scheduled for Monday in Uyo.

This withdrawal adds to the growing list of absences the team faces.

The Atalanta BC forward has returned to Italy after sustaining an injury during Thursday’s qualifier against Benin in Abidjan.

He is the third player to withdraw ahead of the match in Rwanda, following Ola Aina’s return to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League, and goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, who was given compassionate leave due to his father’s passing.

Top sources have told SCORENigeria that the Super Eagles had resolved to boycott Monday’s final 2025 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda to press home their disappointment over the monies they are yet to be paid by the NFF.

With a 2025 AFCON ticket safely in the bag, the players had planned to protest over the outstanding allowances and bonuses some dating as far as 2020 by staying away from the forthcoming home game.

It was learnt that it was only a heart-to-heart meeting with NFF president Ibrahim Gusau in Abidjan Thursday night that averted this pay strike.

The players, it was further gathered, were able to get some assurances from the NFF boss, who was taken aback by how they opened up to him on their outstanding payments.