Dele-Bashiru, Dessers, Balogun set for Europa q’final actions

Nigerian players continue to make their mark in European football, with Cyriel Dessers, Leon Balogun, and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru flying the country’s flag in the Europa League quarter-finals on Thursday (today). Their quest follows Ademola Lookman’s heroic hat trick that inspired Atalanta to glory last season, PETER AKINBO writes

Bodo/Glimt vs Lazio (Fisayo Dele-Bashiru)

 As Lazio prepare for their challenging trip to the Arctic Circle to face Norwegian champions Bodo/Glimt, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has emerged as a key figure in Marco Baroni’s squad.

 The 24-year-old Nigerian midfielder has steadily grown in importance since joining the Roman club, becoming an increasingly influential presence in their European campaign.

 Dele-Bashiru’s recent form suggests he could be pivotal in Lazio’s quarter-final ambitions. Last weekend on his injury return, he demonstrated his creative abilities by providing a crucial assist in their 1-0 victory over Atalanta. The Nigerian intelligently headed a loose ball into Gustav Isaksen’s path, allowing the Dane to score the decisive goal that boosted Lazio’s domestic aspirations.

 “Dele-Bashiru has adapted well to Italian football,” Baroni remarked after that match.

 “His physical presence combined with technical ability gives us something different in midfield. He will be important for us in Norway.”

 The midfielder’s disciplined performances have made him increasingly indispensable to the Biancocelesti, who are chasing their first European semi-final appearance since 2003. For Dele-Bashiru, this represents his first taste of continental knockout football, a challenge he appears ready to embrace.

 Lazio face a Bodo/Glimt side that has been formidable at home in European competition, but the Italians will fancy their chances of taking a positive result back to Rome for the second leg.

 His five goals and three assists across all competitions this season only tell part of the story. The former Sheffield Wednesday man has brought energy, tactical discipline, and versatility to Lazio’s midfield—attributes that will be crucial if they are to navigate past Bodo/Glimt and stake their claim as serious contenders for the Europa League crown.

 Rangers vs Athletic Bilbao (Dessers, Balogun)

 At Ibrox, the Nigerian influence on Rangers’ European ambitions couldn’t be more apparent. Cyriel Dessers leads the line with Leon Balogun marshalling the defence as the Scottish giants welcome Athletic Bilbao for what promises to be an enthralling first leg.

 Dessers has become Rangers’ talisman in European competition this season. The 30-year-old striker was instrumental in their progress past Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce in the previous round, scoring and assisting in Istanbul to help establish the advantage that ultimately saw them through on penalties.

 Despite occasionally dividing opinion among the Ibrox faithful, Dessers’ commitment has never been questioned. His 23 goals across all competitions have often come at crucial moments, none more so than his dramatic stoppage-time winner against Dundee in March, which coincided with his 100th appearance for the club.

 Rangers’ assistant coach Neil McCann has been one of Dessers’ most vocal supporters.

 “Cyriel will always divide opinion because he will miss chances, but this is the life of a striker,” he told the club’s website.

 While Dessers provides the goal threat, compatriot Leon Balogun offers experience and leadership at the back. The veteran defender is expected to play a crucial role in Rangers’ three-man defence against Athletic, particularly with regular centre-back John Souttar suspended for the first leg.

 Balogun’s calming influence will be vital against an Athletic side featuring the dangerous Williams brothers on the flanks. The Nigerian defender’s experience in high-pressure European nights could prove decisive as Rangers aim to build an advantage before travelling to Bilbao.

 The 35-year-old’s warnings about complacency proved prophetic in the previous round against Fenerbahce when despite a 3-1 first-leg advantage, Rangers lost the return leg 2-0 before advancing on penalties. That wisdom will be invaluable as they face an Athletic Bilbao side desperate to reach the final at their stadium.

 For both Dessers and Balogun, the quarter-final represents an opportunity to write themselves into Rangers folklore. The club reached the final in 2022 with another Nigerian duo (Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey) in the starting lineup only to fall at the final hurdle against Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties. This Nigerian duo is determined to go one better this time around.

 Dele-Bashiru, Dessers, and Balogun now carry Nigeria’s hopes in a competition that has recently been kind to the country’s footballers. If any of them can follow in the footsteps of Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze by lifting the trophy, it would further cement Nigeria’s growing influence on European football’s biggest stages.