Super Eagles and FC Porto full-back Zaidu Sanusi has done well to return to peak performance after suffering a cruciate ligament injury last year, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 28-year-old missed 28 games in that time, but has slowly worked his way back into being a squad player for the Dragons' first team.
His hard work was rewarded last night when he came off the bench in the 68th minute to score, helping 10-man Porto seal a 4-1 win over Arouca to go top of Liga Portugal.
Francesco Farioli lauds Zaidu Sanusi‘s impact
Porto head coach, Francesco Farioli, in his post-game conference, praised the former Rio Ave full-back for a job well done.
La Famiglia Portista O golo do Zaidu ⚽
Os nossos jogos estão na @sporttvportugal#FCAFCP pic.twitter.com/92qw7yefWl
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) September 30, 2025
“I've spoken three or four times about the impact he's had in training,” the 36-year-old said in quotes revealed by Sapo Portugal.
“Now that he's getting more minutes, he has everything it takes to play at the highest level.
“He's physically powerful, technically sound, and he just needs to believe more in himself.
“The goal is the right reward for what he's been doing in training, and I hope he continues to grow and help us.
“It's good, because it says a lot about the contribution everyone is making on the pitch.
“The impact of Deniz [Gul], Samu, Alberto [Costa], Pablo [Rosario], and Dominik [Prpic] was fantastic, and we have to keep going. Their opportunities are waiting in the corner,” the Italian concluded.
Olympaicos' Bruno Onyemaechi and Werder Bremen's Felix Agu have been Eric Chelle's full-back picks since May, but Sanusi's return to peak form could tempt the Franco-Malian tactician in his choice for the October International Break squad list.
