Super Eagles midfielder, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, remained on the bench throughout the match as Lazio clinched a 2-0 away victory over Genoa on Wednesday night at the Luigi Ferraris Stadium in a crucial Serie A encounter. The 23-year-old's absence on the pitch has reignited speculation surrounding his fitness status and potential readiness for Lazio’s decisive fixtures as the season nears its end.

Dele-Bashiru, who joined Lazio on loan last summer, has been gradually easing back into action following an ankle injury that sidelined him during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification matches in March. While the midfielder has made three appearances since recovering—starting twice—his recent omission from the squad’s full training sessions has raised eyebrows.

Sources close to the club revealed that Dele-Bashiru skipped group training on Easter Sunday and instead worked individually during Tuesday’s preparations, a move interpreted as a precautionary measure to manage his recovery. Though medically cleared to play, the coaching staff opted not to risk him against Genoa, prioritizing his long-term fitness for the decisive run of fixtures ahead.

Despite the absence of the Nigerian midfielder, Lazio produced a professional performance on the road. Argentine striker Valentín Castellanos opened the scoring with a composed finish in the first half, before Senegal international Boulaye Dia doubled the lead after the break to seal the victory. The result snapped a three-game winless streak and injected renewed confidence into Maurizio Sarri’s squad.

Lazio had to dig deep in the final minutes of the game after substitute Reda Belahyane received a red card for a reckless challenge, leaving them to play the closing stages with ten men. However, their defensive resilience held firm, allowing them to leave Genoa with a clean sheet and all three points.

The victory was vital in the Roman club’s race for European football next season, bringing them level on 59 points with fifth-placed Juventus, intensifying the battle for a UEFA Champions League qualification spot. With only a handful of matches remaining, the margin for error has narrowed, and squad depth will be critical in navigating the demanding schedule.

As Lazio push for a top-four finish, Dele-Bashiru will be keen to shake off any lingering fitness concerns and prove his worth in the team’s midfield rotation. The technical staff are optimistic about his return to regular action, and fans are hopeful that his energy, ball control, and creativity will provide an added boost in the final stretch of the campaign.

With high-stakes fixtures on the horizon and competition intensifying, every player’s availability becomes paramount. Dele-Bashiru’s situation will be monitored closely, and his return could prove decisive in Lazio’s quest for European glory.