Boost for Eric Chelle: Zaidu declared fit to face Nottingham Forest, named in Porto's travelling squad

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has received a timely boost ahead of finalising his squad for next month's 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon, with experienced left-back Zaidu Sanusi back in contention for a recall to the national team, allnigeriasoccer.com reports.

The 28-year-old forced his way into the squad for the fixtures against Lesotho and Benin, following the withdrawal of Birmingham City fullback Bright Osayi-Samuel through injury.

Zaidu's inclusion was not merely for squad depth as Chelle handed him minutes off the bench in the victory over Lesotho before starting him in the clash against Benin.

However, his involvement was cut short after he sustained an injury during the win over the Cheetahs.

Upon his return to Portugal, further medical tests confirmed a right calf injury, which ruled him out of Porto's matchday squad for their Portuguese Cup third round tie against Celoricense last Saturday.

Zaidu trained without limitations during Porto's last training session at CTFD Jorge Costa ahead of their trip to Nottinghamshire.

The club's medical team has cleared the Nigeria international to feature against the Premier League side.

Porto manager Francesco Farioli has named a 24-man travelling squad for the visit to Nottingham, with Zaidu included among the players making the trip.

The Super Eagles defender has started Porto's last two Europa League matches and will be the only Nigerian eligible to feature at the City Ground on Thursday as Taiwo Awoniyi is not registered for the competition and Ola Aina remains sidelined with a hamstring injury.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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