Manchester City Legend Inspires Lagos-Born Super Eagles Star Dele-Bashiru

Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, a prominent midfielder for the Super Eagles, has expressed deep admiration for Yaya Touré, the iconic figure from Manchester City and Ivory Coast football. Touré, renowned for his midfield prowess, notably contributed to Manchester City’s successes after joining from Barcelona in 2010.
During his illustrious eight-year tenure at Etihad Stadium, Touré clinched the Premier League title three times, the FA Cup once, and the Football League Cup (now Carabao Cup) twice. His achievements extended beyond club triumphs, earning him the African Footballer of the Year accolade four times and featuring twice in the PFA Premier League Team of the Year. He amassed a notable 80 goals in 316 appearances across various competitions, cementing his legacy as one of City’s top scorers.

In a recent interview, Dele-Bashiru revealed Touré as his childhood idol and role model, drawing parallels between his own playing style and that of the retired Ivorian star. “My idol growing up was Yaya Touré, so I consider myself a box-to-box midfielder. I enjoy making runs and taking shots. Touré’s influence on my game has been significant,” Dele-Bashiru remarked.

Discussing his origins, Dele-Bashiru clarified misconceptions about his birthplace, stating firmly, “I was born in Lagos, Nigeria, not Hamburg, Germany, as previously reported.”
Having progressed through the Manchester City Academy, Dele-Bashiru’s admiration for Touré underscores the impact of the four-time African Player of the Year on young talents aspiring to emulate his success.