Super Eagles Defender Zaidu Sanusi Makes First-Team Return After 325 Days Out
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi has made his return to first-team action for Portuguese club FC Porto, 325 days after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
Sanusi was injured during a Primeira Liga match against Estrela Amadora in February 2024. The ACL injury kept him out of action for months, and he only returned to football in October 2024. However, due to lack of match fitness, he spent the latter part of last year with Porto’s second team.
The 27-year-old defender had been included in Porto’s matchday squads for the UEFA Europa League this season, but he didn’t get any playing time until recently. On Tuesday, he made his long-awaited first-team return in the League Cup semi-final against Sporting CP. Although he started on the bench, coach Vitor Bruno brought him on in the 61st minute, shortly after Viktor Gyokeres scored the opening goal.
Despite Porto losing the match 1-0, Sanusi impressed on his return. He made 27 touches, completed a dribble, and created one key opportunity, though it was not converted.
Looking ahead, Sanusi’s future at Porto is secure, with his contract running until 2027. His next goal will be to prove to coach Vitor Bruno that he deserves a regular spot in the starting eleven.
On the international front, Sanusi will be hoping his strong performances at Porto will earn him a call-up to the Super Eagles soon. His last appearance for Nigeria was at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he helped the team to a second-place finish.
