Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro handed a debut to Hatayspor of Turkey midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru in the team’s 3-2 friendly win over Mozambique in Portugal.
The 22 year old started on the right side of Nigeria’s attack as opposed to his preferred role in the middle of the pitch, yet he provided the assist for the goal that drew Nigeria level.
He now has five assists this season with four coming for his club. He also has four goals as well despite not getting in on the act in their 2-4 loss to Fenerbahçe, a game that he was on for the entire duration.
Rated as one of the best summer signings in the Turkish league so far, his decision to leave Manchester City three years ago appears to have paid off based on the fact that he left in search of regular first team football.
” When he (Fisayo Dele-Bashiru) made the decision to leave Manchester City three years ago it left Pep Guardiola unhappy because at that stage he was getting into the first team picture at the club, so he never wanted him to leave”, his representative told OwnGoalNigeria.com.
” But footballers get to a stage where they want to play first team football and develop further. At that time we had to be honest with his chances at getting into the first team of City, so a decision was reached and here we are today saying it has paid off. He probably wouldn’t have played for the senior national team of Nigeria if he didn’t take that step”.
Osas Mahawi