Nigeria’s national team may encounter a defensive challenge prior to their vital World Cup qualifying playoff, as Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi is struggling to achieve full fitness.
The Porto defender has been deemed a doubt for his club’s forthcoming Europa League match against Nottingham Forest due to a calf injury, raising concerns regarding his availability for Nigeria’s matches next month.
Sanusi was absent from Porto’s Sunday morning recovery session at the CTFD Jorge Costa training complex following their 4-0 victory in the Portuguese Cup over CD Celoricense.
The club subsequently confirmed that the Nigerian international is undergoing treatment for a right calf injury, which he incurred before his return from international duty.
The 28-year-old’s exclusion from Porto’s squad for the Cup match further indicates the team’s cautious strategy regarding his recovery.
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Sanusi has been an integral part of Porto’s lineup this season, participating in nine matches across all competitions and contributing one goal and one assist. He also commenced both of Porto’s initial Europa League group matches against Salzburg and Red Star Belgrade, highlighting his significance to the team.
For Nigeria, Sanusi’s injury could not have occurred at a more inopportune moment. The Super Eagles are already grappling with defensive concerns, as Ola Aina and Felix Agu are dealing with long-term injuries.
Sanusi’s recent return to the national team, after nearly twenty months away, followed the withdrawal of Bright Osayi-Samuel from the squad.
With a critical 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff approaching in November 2025, coach Eric Chelle will be hoping for a swift recovery for the left-back.
