New Chapters for Nigerian Duo as Ipswich and Lazio Appoint Managers

Posted : 24 June 2026

Nigerian international football stars face an exciting period of transition ahead of the upcoming European league season. Striker Chuba Akpom and midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are both scheduled to work under newly appointed managers at their respective clubs. These high-profile managerial changes offer fresh tactical directions for both players as they look to secure prominent starting roles.

Akpom recently finalized a permanent transfer to newly promoted English Premier League side Ipswich Town following an initial loan spell. The former Ajax forward signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Tractor Boys to solidify his long-term future in England. He contributed two goals in twenty-nine appearances last season during the club's successful promotion campaign from the Championship.

The thirty-year-old attacker will now look to establish himself under the guidance of newly confirmed head coach Gary O’Neil. The forty-three-year-old English tactician officially took charge of the club following the high-profile departure of former manager Kieran McKenna. O’Neil brings extensive Premier League experience to Portman Road after previous management stints at Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ipswich Town directors expect the incoming manager to oversee their return to top-flight football with a strong focus on stability. Akpom will need to compete fiercely during pre-season training to cement his position in O'Neil's preferred attacking lineup. The manager wants to build a highly competitive squad capable of surviving the intense demands of the premier division.

Meanwhile, dynamic midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is preparing for a brand new chapter in Italy with Serie A outfit Lazio. The Rome-based club officially announced the arrival of legendary former Italian World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach. Gattuso signed a two-year contract with the Biancocelesti to fill the vacancy left by outgoing coach Maurizio Sarri.

Dele-Bashiru completed twenty-four league appearances and registered one goal for the Italian giants during the previous domestic campaign. The powerful midfielder will look to impress the incoming coaching staff during the rigorous training sessions of the pre-season schedule. Gattuso famously demands extreme physical intensity, high work rate, and absolute tactical discipline from his midfield options.

If the international midfielder remains a central part of the long-term plans in Rome, he will match a unique milestone. He would become the second Nigerian international to play under Gattuso in the highly competitive Italian top flight. Current Super Eagles star forward Victor Osimhen previously excelled under the former Milan manager during their shared time at Napoli.

Both players must adapt quickly to these high-profile coaching changes to keep their careers moving in a positive direction. Akpom aims to help Ipswich Town achieve top-flight safety, while Dele-Bashiru fights for a permanent starting spot in continental football. Their progress under these new regimes will certainly influence their chances of earning future international call-ups for Nigeria.

New Chapters for Nigerian Duo as Ipswich and Lazio Appoint Managers

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics