By Korede James
Super Eagles stars Maduka Okoye and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru returned from injuries as Lazio and Udinese settled for a 1-1 draw in Monday night’s Serie A encounter.
While Okoye was back in goal for Udinese, midfielder Dele-Bashiru was an unused substitute for hosts Lazio.
Okoye had been out since December 2024 after sustaining a wrist injury that required surgery, while Dele-Bashiru suffered an ankle injury which kept him out of action since February.
After being passed fit both Nigeria internationals were included in their respective clubs’ matchday squads for Monday’s clash, with Okoye reclaiming his number one spot.
Udinese opened the scoring in the 22nd minute through Florian Thauvin before Alessio Romagnoli equalised for Lazio 10 minutes later.
It is now five straight matches without defeat for Udinese (three wins, two draws), while Lazio took their unbeaten streak to three (two wins, one draw).
The draw means Lazio are in fifth place and Udinese 10th in the league table.
The return of Dele-Bashiru and Okoye will be a welcome development for the Super Eagles coaching crew ahead of this month’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Both players are included in the 39-man provisional squad for the key fixtures.
