Former Nigeria coach José Peseiro has urged patience as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru continues to adapt to life in Serie A following his summer move to Lazio, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder joined Lazio on loan from Turkish side Hatayspor for an initial fee of two million euros, with an obligation for the Italian club to make the move permanent under certain conditions.
While his transition to Italian football has been gradual, Dele-Bashiru has shown glimpses of his potential in both domestic and European competitions.
So far, the former Manchester City youth player has made eight Serie A appearances, scoring his first league goal in a 3-0 victory over Bologna in November. However, he has only completed the full 90 minutes twice and was an unused substitute in eight other league games.
In contrast, his performances in Europe have been more productive, with two goals and two assists in just four appearances.
Peseiro, who handed Dele-Bashiru his senior Nigeria debut in a friendly against Mozambique in October 2023, expressed confidence in the midfielder’s potential.
“His qualities had impressed us when we were looking at the players eligible for the squad,” Peseiro told Sportitalia via La Lazio Siamonoi.
“He is demonstrating his value, while still adapting to the demands of Italian football and Lazio. With enough time, he will achieve the consistency required in the game and at the club.”
Despite his international debut, Peseiro omitted Dele-Bashiru from the Super Eagles squad that finished second at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The midfielder, who has two goals in five games for Nigeria, faced a scare over the weekend when he was involved in a car accident.
However, he recovered in time to feature in Lazio’s crushing 6-0 defeat to reigning Serie A champions Inter Milan on Monday night.