Zaidu Sanusi faces two-month injury layoff

Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi is expected to be sidelined for approximately two months following an adductor injury to his right leg. The 29-year-old was forced off the pitch in the 17th minute during Porto’s 3-0 victory against Academico de Viseu.

Medical tests confirmed the injury, and reports suggest Sanusi may not return until after the next international break. This setback poses a significant challenge for the Nigerian national team, as the injury likely rules him out of the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign scheduled to begin next month. Nigeria is set to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in their opening Group C fixtures.

In the absence of Sanusi, Nigeria manager Eric Chelle may look to alternatives such as Bruno Onyemaechi or Calvin Bassey to cover the left-back position.