{
  "id": 6838676,
  "title": "Chelle Sweat Over Dele-Bashiru Ahead of AFCON 2027",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/12/chelle-sweat-over-dele-bashiru-ahead-of-afcon-2027",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-12T01:48:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/12/chelle-sweat-over-dele-bashiru-ahead-of-afcon-2027/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle now has a new concern as midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru faces a prolonged injury struggle ahead of upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Dele-Bashiru, 25, has been a dependable figure for Nigeria throughout Chelle's tenure as coach, appearing as either a starter or substitute. The midfielder was anticipated to join the national team camp for the upcoming qualifiers, but a thigh injury sustained during Lazio's opening match against Bologna has sidelined him. Dele-Bashiru remained out until recently, when it was revealed he could resume full training and potentially feature as a substitute in Lazio's Serie A match against AC Milan this weekend. However, recent reports from Radio Sei Lazio suggest that Dele-Bashiru will instead require further rest, meaning he will not play in AC Milan and may not be available for Nigeria. This setback presents a challenge for Chelle, who will need to find alternate midfield solutions. He is already dealing with another injury concern, having lost Tochukwu Nnadi, who is nursing a knee injury while playing for Olympique de Marseille. As Nigeria prepares for the international break, Chelle may need to adapt his tactics and provide opportunities for other midfielders to stake their claim for a place in both the squad and the lineup.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles coach, Éric Chelle faces a fresh headache over midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru ahead of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The 25-year-old midfielder has",
  "key_points": [
    "Éric Chelle faces new injury concern with Dele-Bashiru.",
    "Midfielder Dele-Bashiru sidelined by thigh injury.",
    "Nigeria needs alternate midfield solutions for AFCON 2027."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Éric Chelle faces increased pressure to adjust his midfield strategy with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru's uncertain availability and Tochukwu Nnadi's ongoing injury, potentially opening opportunities for other players to secure a spot.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}