Eric Chelle waits on Super Eagles star’s injury results ahead of Nigeria AFCON qualifiers

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is set for medical tests on Wednesday after the Super Eagles midfielder suffered an injury in Lazio's Serie A opener against Bologna, Soccernet.ng reports.

The tests could give Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle a clearer picture of whether Dele-Bashiru will be available for Nigeria's first 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers next month.

CittàCeleste reports that Dele-Bashiru and Lazio defender Adam Marusic will undergo instrumental tests at the Pret Medica facility in Rome on Wednesday. Both players were forced off during Monday's 1-0 defeat at Bologna, with Lazio concerned about possible injuries to their thigh flexor muscles.

Dele-Bashiru started the match at Stadio Renato Dall'Ara but was substituted at the start of the second half.

Super Eagles: Why Chelle will be watching closely

The medical report comes less than four weeks before Nigeria begin their AFCON 2027 qualification campaign.

CAF has placed Nigeria in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. The first two matchdays will take place between 21 September and 6 October. Nigeria's first games are against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Dele-Bashiru has become an important option in Chelle's midfield, and was a key member of the Super Eagles squad that won bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year. The Manchester City academy graduate was also part of Lazio's squad throughout pre-season and played in their 2-1 win at Ascoli on 2 August.

The midfielder's injury adds to a growing list of concerns for Nigeria before the qualifiers. Femi Azeez and Semi Ajayi have also faced injury problems in recent days.

Chelle's new deal gives him responsibility for both the Super Eagles and Nigeria's U-23 team. The National Sports Commission said in June that he will lead the senior side until 2030 as Nigeria target a stronger run at the 2027 AFCON.

A short absence for Dele-Bashiru would give Chelle time to find another midfield option. A serious injury, however, could force a change to his plans before Nigeria's first competitive games of the new qualification cycle.