Fisayo Dele-Bashiru delivered when it mattered most on Wednesday night, providing a crucial assist as Lazio battled past Bologna in the Coppa Italia quarter-final at the Stadio Renato Dell’Ara.
The Super Eagles midfielder stepped up in a tense contest, helping Lazio overturn a first-half deficit before sealing progress via penalties.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s Key Assist Sparks Lazio Comeback
Bologna took control in the 30th minute through Santiago Castro and went into the break with a 1-0 advantage. Lazio needed a response, and Dele-Bashiru provided it almost immediately after the restart.
Three minutes into the second half, the Nigerian international combined sharply with Tijjani Noslin to restore parity. It marked his first goal contribution of the season and shifted the momentum in Lazio’s favour.
The 25-year-old showed composure and vision in a high-pressure moment, proving his value in the knockout stage. His intervention kept Lazio in the tie and set the stage for a dramatic finish.
Limited Minutes, Maximum Impact for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Since returning from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, Dele-Bashiru has struggled for consistent minutes.
In his last four appearances, he played nine minutes against Como, 26 against Lecce, nine against Genoa, and 45 against Juventus.
Despite limited opportunities, the midfielder stayed ready. Against Bologna, he made his 12th appearance of the campaign and earned only his fifth start. He seized it with authority.
Lazio held their nerve as the match went to penalties. Nuno Tavares, Boulaye Dia, Adam Marusic, and Kenneth Taylor converted their spot-kicks. Lewis Ferguson and Riccardo Orsolini missed for Bologna, handing Lazio a 4-1 shootout victory.
For Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, with competition for places intense in the Lazio midfield, performances like this could reshape his role in the weeks ahead.
As the Coppa Italia campaign continues, the Nigerian midfielder has given his manager a strong reason to trust him in decisive matches.