AFCON 2025 blow: Super Eagles set to lose FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi

Zaidu Sanusi played a key role as Nigeria reached the final of the 2023 edition of the AFCON before falling to hosts Cote d’Ivoire

Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi is considering pulling out of the Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to focus on reviving his club career at FC Porto, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 28-year-old left-back, who played a key role in Nigeria’s run to the final at the 2023 AFCON, has endured a torrid two seasons plagued by injuries.

Shortly after the tournament in early 2024, Sanusi suffered a cruciate ligament tear that sidelined him for the remainder of the 2023–24 campaign and the first half of last season, forcing him to miss 42 matches for Porto.

The setback came after he had already missed 17 games in the 2022–23 season with a muscle injury, leading to the loss of his starting role at the Estádio do Dragão.

In the 2024–25 season, the former Santa Clara defender featured just five times in the Portuguese league and the Europa League, totalling only 73 minutes, all as a substitute.

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Sanusi was an unused substitute in all three of Porto's matches at this summer's expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Determined to reclaim his first-choice status at Porto, Sanusi is reportedly ready to forgo the AFCON, which will take place in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, according to Portuguese outlet Bola Na Rede.

The timing of the tournament also overlaps with the winter transfer window, potentially giving Sanusi an opportunity to either fight for more playing time at Porto or secure a move elsewhere. The left-back, who joined the Portuguese giants in 2020 and is under contract until 2027, is said to view uninterrupted participation in club football as essential for his long-term future.

Nigeria have already booked their place at the 34th edition of the AFCON — their 21st appearance at the finals — but still face four 2026 World Cup qualifiers before the tournament.

In Sanusi’s potential absence, head coach Eric Chelle has several options. Olympiakos star Bruno Onyemaechi offers a like-for-like replacement, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and versatile right-back Ola Aina can also fill in on the left.

There is also the possibility of a reshuffle in defence if Chelsea’s Tosin Adarabioyo commits to Nigeria, which could see Calvin Bassey move back to his preferred left-back role.

While Sanusi’s decision would undoubtedly be a blow to Chelle’s plans, Nigeria’s depth in the position means the Super Eagles could cope without him.

Sanusi is highly-rated when fit, having won multiple domestic titles with Porto but his recent injury struggles have placed his future in Portugal under pressure.