“Didn’t know I would be considered” – Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru surprised to play for Super Eagles before Watford’s Tom

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has expressed his surprise at being selected for the Super Eagles ahead of his older brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru, Soccernet.ng reports.

Both brothers had set their sights on representing Nigeria, but it seemed Tom would break into the senior team first after featuring in the Flying Eagles squad at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the Olympics Eagles.

However, 25-year-old Tom has not been called up to the senior national team since his last youth appearance in 2019.

In contrast, Fisayo, who did not play for any Nigerian youth teams, received his Super Eagles debut in 2023.

The 23-year-old Lazio midfielder quickly impressed, scoring two goals and providing an assist in his early appearances for Nigeria, including a decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Speaking about his unexpected rise to the senior team, Fisayo said:

“I’ve always been surprised that I would be given an opportunity to play for my country at this stage of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and do not take it for granted.

“Tom is equally doing well… I didn’t know I would be considered for the Super Eagles before him. I’m happy for the opportunity.”

Fisayo also revealed that his brother, currently playing for Watford in the English Championship, is proud of his achievements.

“We laugh over it, and I intend to make him proud like he has been making the family proud.”

Fisayo, who joined Lazio on loan from Turkish club Hatayspor in July 2024, will look to earn his sixth Super Eagles cap when Nigeria face Libya again on Tuesday.