Possible battle with 3-time CWC winner Messi: Zaidu named in Porto squad for Fifa tournament

Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi is in line to feature at the upcoming Fifa Club World Cup, which kicks off in the United States on June 14.

The left-back was included in FC Porto's 28-man travelling squad that departed for the United States on Tuesday, June 10, ahead of the tournament. 

His inclusion puts him in contention for a high-profile showdown against Inter Miami star and three-time Club World Cup winner Lionel Messi when the Portuguese giants face the MLS side on June 19 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Sanusi endured a difficult 2024–25 season, managing just eight appearances for the Porto teams after returning from an eight-month layoff caused by a serious cruciate ligament injury. 

The setback, which required surgery, occurred shortly after his return from Africa Cup of Nations duty with the Super Eagles in February 2024. 

The 27-year-old struggled to regain his place in the starting XI, failing to register a single start for Porto's first team throughout the campaign. 

The arrival of Francisco Moura from Famalicao last summer saw Sanusi slip further down the pecking order at left-back.

Despite being under contract with Porto until June 30, 2027, Sanusi's long-term future at the club remains uncertain and could be influenced by his performances at the Club World Cup.

Porto's other opponents at the Club World Cup are Palmeiras (Brazil) and Al Ahly (Egypt).

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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