Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has expressed his astonishment at being selected for the Super Eagles before his older brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru. Both siblings aspired to represent Nigeria, with expectations that Tom, who played for the Flying Eagles at the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup and in the Olympic squad, would earn his spot on the senior team first. However, the 25-year-old Tom has not been called up to the national team since his last youth appearance in 2019.

In contrast, 23-year-old Fisayo, a Lazio midfielder who did not participate in any Nigerian youth teams, made his Super Eagles debut in 2023. He quickly made an impact, scoring two goals and providing an assist, including a crucial goal in a 1-0 victory over Libya in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Reflecting on his unexpected journey to the senior team, Fisayo stated, “I’ve always been surprised that I would be given an opportunity to play for my country at this stage of my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity and do not take it for granted. Tom is equally doing well… I didn’t know I would be considered for the Super Eagles before him. I’m happy about the opportunity.”

Fisayo shared that Tom, who currently plays for Watford in the English Championship, is proud of his younger brother’s accomplishments. “We laugh over it, and I intend to make him proud like he has been making the family proud.”

Having joined Lazio on loan from Turkish club Hatayspor in July 2024, Fisayo aims to earn his sixth Super Eagles cap when Nigeria faces Libya again on Tuesday.