Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has opened up about his mixed emotions at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after missing the opportunity to play alongside his younger brother, Tom Dele-Bashiru, for Nigeria.
Both brothers were initially named in Nigeria’s 54-man provisional squad released in early December ahead of the tournament. However, when the list was later trimmed before the team’s departure to Morocco, only Fisayo made the final selection, with Tom missing out.
The Lazio midfielder has been an important figure for the Super Eagles during the group stage, featuring prominently in victories over Tanzania and Uganda. Those wins helped Nigeria finish top of Group C with a perfect nine points from three matches.
Despite the team’s impressive start to the tournament, Fisayo admitted that his brother’s absence was disappointing for him and their family.
Speaking to Victor Modo, the 24-year-old revealed that their family had eagerly anticipated seeing both brothers represent Nigeria together, describing it as an unfortunate outcome that Tom did not make the final squad.
Fisayo noted that playing alongside his brother in the national team would have been a special moment for everyone close to them. However, he remains optimistic that the chance to share the pitch in Super Eagles colours will come in the future.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s focus has now shifted to the knockout phase of the competition, with a Round of 16 clash against Mozambique next on the schedule as the Super Eagles continue their push for a record-extending continental title.