Right calf injury: Super Eagles fullback Zaidu ruled out of Porto v Celoricense

Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi is set for a spell on the sidelines after sustaining an injury during Nigeria's 4-0 victory over Benin's Cheetahs in a 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier in Uyo on Tuesday, October 14.

The left-back was forced off with sixteen minutes remaining and was later spotted with a bandaged leg during the post-match celebrations, raising concerns over the extent of the injury.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Porto manager Francesco Farioli confirmed that Sanusi returned from international duty carrying a leg problem and he's not in contention to face Celoricense in the third round of the Portuguese Cup. 

The latest medical bulletin from the club, released after Friday's training session at the Jorge Costa Training Center in Olival, stated that the Nigerian international is undergoing treatment for a right calf injury.

The Dragons have yet to disclose the severity of the injury or provide a timeline for the defender's return to action.

In quotes relayed by A Bola, Farioli said: "Zaidu didn't arrive in the best physical condition; he returned with a leg problem. He won't be in tomorrow's game."

Zaidu had recently worked his way back into the Super Eagles setup following a series of impressive performances for Porto. 

After more than twenty months away from international football, he earned a late call-up for the October internationals and featured in both matches against Lesotho and Benin.

His setback adds to Nigeria's growing concerns in the fullback department ahead of next month's World Cup playoff against Gabon, with Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina and Birmingham City's Bright Osayi-Samuel also recovering from injuries.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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