'We get along very well' – Porto left-back Francisco Moura plays down rivalry with Zaidu

FC Porto defender Francisco Moura has dismissed any talk of tension in his ongoing battle with Zaidu Sanusi for the club's starting left-back position, insisting the competition is healthy and beneficial to the squad.

Zaidu endured a difficult 2024–2025 season, managing just six appearances for Porto's first team 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 arrival of Moura from Famalicao last summer saw Sanusi slip further down the pecking order at left-back.

Zaidu was an unused substitute in the three games contested by Porto at the recently concluded Fifa Club World Cup, an indication that he is not in the plans of manager Francesco Farioli for the upcoming season. 

On the other hand, Moura has made the left-back spot of his own, having made 44 from a possible 51 starts over the course of the 2024-2025 season.

Speaking during Thursday's workout which was open to the media, Moura described the rivalry as constructive rather than confrontational.

"Very healthy. We get along very well, and that helps the team. I feel I have room to grow and contribute more to the group," Moura was quoted as saying by Adeptos.

Zaidu has been linked with a departure from Porto this summer, though he has two years left on his contract.

The 28-year-old has not played for the Super Eagles since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final against Ivory Coast.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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