Dele-Bashiru’s Lazio Comeback Delayed After AFCON Snub, Okon Makes South Africa Squad

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s anticipated return to Lazio has hit a temporary pause, with his potential participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) influencing the club’s plans.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigerian midfielder has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in September during the heated Rome derby against AS Roma, which ruled him out of the squad entirely. He has now recovered and is match-ready, providing a timely boost for Lazio following Nicolo Rovella’s long-term absence.

However, according to Football Italia, the club is proceeding cautiously, as Dele-Bashiru is expected to join Nigeria for AFCON. Lazio reportedly fears that updating the squad list now, only to revise it again once he departs for international duty, could create “confusion.” A definitive decision regarding his role in Serie A is expected after the tournament.

The former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder has also been linked with a potential transfer in January, adding further uncertainty to his future at Lazio.

In other AFCON news, Nigerian-born defender Ime Okon has been included in South Africa’s provisional squad for the competition.

Okon is among the 54 players selected by head coach Hugo Broos, who will later narrow the roster to 24. The 21-year-old, born to a Nigerian father and a South African mother, has already made five appearances for Bafana Bafana.

The South African Football Association announced that the final squad will be revealed “in the coming days,” with CAF setting a December 11 deadline for all participating nations to submit their final AFCON rosters.