Cote d’Ivoire vs Nigeria: Jose Peseiro shares Zaidu Sanusi fitness update

Zaidu Sanusi missed Nigeria’s game against South Africa, and he may miss the crucial final against Cote d’Ivoire

Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has revealed that defender Zaidu Sanusi will have to undergo a late fitness test to ascertain his availability for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sanusi has been a regular for Nigeria at the AFCON. The Porto left-back has made five appearances for the Super Eagles in Ivory Coast and has helped the team keep four clean sheets.

However, Sanusi was missing in Nigeria’s semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday. Nonetheless, Bright Osayi-Samuel took his place and did a decent job.

Jose Peseiro later clarified that Sanusi was struggling with a knock that he suffered from the previous game against Angola.

Ahead of the final on Sunday, Peseiro has shared an update on Sanusi. The Super Eagles boss has revealed that Sanusi is yet to reach full fitness, but he will undergo a late test to ascertain the 26-year-old’s fitness.

“Sanusi Zaidu had condition training yesterday, we will have the last training session today, and we will check him to see if he will be available,” Peseiro said per Soccernet.ng

If Sanusi does not make it in time, Peseiro can bank on Osayi-Samuel to deliver the goods for Nigeria on Sunday.