Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele Bashiru has opened up about the sheer physical toll of Nigeria’s hard-fought victory over Egypt, admitting he felt “dead” after a grueling shift in an unfamiliar role. The Super Eagles secured the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, defeating the Pharaohs 4-2 in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw in regulation time.
The central midfielder found himself in an unexpected position when he was asked to fill in at right-back after Bright Osayi Samuel was forced off with an injury. For Dele Bashiru, the tactical shift was a baptism of fire. The 24-year-old was tasked with covering the entire length of the flank, a role that demanded constant sprinting and defensive discipline against a high-pressing Egyptian side.
Speaking after the podium finish in Casablanca, Dele Bashiru confessed that while he pridefully identifies as a versatile player, the intensity of playing as a defender was a massive surprise. He noted that the experience gave him a newfound level of respect for natural full-backs, describing the physical requirement of the position as “very, very tough.”
Despite the exhaustion and a missed penalty during the shootout, the midfielder’s resilience helped Nigeria maintain their perfect record in AFCON third-place matches. He expressed relief and joy that the team managed to cross the finish line, emphasizing that bringing home the bronze was a far better outcome than returning empty-handed after their semi-final heartbreak against Morocco.
The victory serves as a consoling end to the tournament for the Super Eagles, who missed out on the final after a similarly tight penalty shootout loss just days earlier. As Nigeria celebrates its ninth bronze medal, the focus now shifts to the grand finale between Senegal and the host nation, Morocco, which is set to take place in Rabat.
