Zaidu returns to Porto training on Thursday after Super Eagles duty

Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi is expected to return to training with FC Porto on Thursday, November 20.

Zaidu was part of the Nigeria squad that narrowly missed out on qualification for the 2026 Fifa World Cup, starting both fixtures against Gabon and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In the clash with the Leopards, he was replaced by Bruno Onyemaechi six minutes into the first half of extra time, a substitution that paid dividends when the Olympiakos defender confidently dispatched his penalty in the shoot-out.

According to Portuguese sports daily A Bola, manager Francesco Farioli granted the FC Porto squad a rest day on Wednesday, meaning training is set to resume on Thursday at the Jorge Costa Training and Sports Centre in Olival.

Zaidu is among the eleven players returning from international duty who have been cleared to rejoin the squad.

After recovering from a long-term cruciate ligament injury that restricted his appearances last season, the defender has regained prominence for both club and country.

He has featured in eleven matches across all competitions for Porto this campaign and tasted action in Nigeria's last four qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

Following the international break, Porto will resume domestic action with a Taça de Portugal fourth round encounter against Sintrense, before turning their attention to a Europa League meeting with Terem Moffi's OGC Nice.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com