Super Eagles confirmed team news pre-CIV: Zaidu faces late fitness check before AFCON final 

Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro was on media duties on Saturday, on the eve of his side's match against Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan and one of the questions he was asked was regarding the availability of Zaidu Sanusi. 

The Porto defender, the Super Eagles first choice left wing-back, was not listed in the matchday squad for the semifinal clash against South Africa due to injury. 

However, the Super Eagles were handed a potential boost with the return of the defender to training after their return from Bouaké. 

Bright Osayi-Samuel got a rare start in a right wing-back role against South Africa, with first choice wing-back Ola Aina providing cover for the injured Zaidu on the other side.

Peseiro hinted that Zaidu will be available for selection against the Elephants provided that he comes through this evening's final training session unscathed. 

"Zaidu did a conditioning training yesterday. Today we have the last practice, we have to check if he can play or not," Peseiro said to reporters. 

Regarding Frank Onyeka, the Brentford midfielder should be available for selection against the Elephants despite picking up his second booking of the tournament in the semifinal win over Bafana Bafana. 

The yellow cards were reset at the end of the group matches of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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