Super Eagles star returns to top-flight action for Primeira Liga giants after 325 days hiatus

Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi has returned to first-team action for Portuguese giants FC Porto, 325 days after he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sanusi was forced off in the 32nd minute of Porto's Primeira Liga game against Estrela Amadora in February 2024. Unfortunately for him, it was later confirmed to be an ACL injury. That injury kept him out of football until October 2024.

However, he could not return to first-team action due to his lack of match fitness. Hence, he had to spend the concluding part of last year with Porto's second string team.

The 27-year-old defender has made Porto's matchday squad twice in the UEFA Europa League this season, but he did not get minutes.

However, he got his breakthrough on Tuesday, in Porto's League Cup semi-final tie against Sporting CP. The Super Eagles star started from the bench, but coach Vitor Bruno introduced him in the 61st minute, four minutes after Viktor Gyokeres scored the opener.

Sanusi put up an impressive performance for Porto, as he registered 27 touches, one dribble, and one key passes. He even created one big opportunity, but Porto did not utilize it. The game eventually ended 1-0 in Sporting CP's favour.

For Sanusi, even though his side lost, he will be elated at playing his first top-flight game since February 2024.

What next for Zaidu Sanusi?

The Super Eagles star's future is still safe for now, as his contract at Porto runs until 2027. But right now, he will be focused on convincing coach Vitor Bruno that he deserves a place in the starting eleven.

On the international scene, he will hope to perform well enough and gather some momentum to get a call-up to the national team soon.

The last time Sanusi played for Nigeria was at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast last year, where he helped the team to second place.