“Chelle knows why he selected him” – Support grows for Nigeria’s lowest-rated star vs Tanzania

Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has come to the defence of Zaidu Sanusi following criticism of the left-back after Super Eagles' 2-1 win over Tanzania at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.

Sanusi was Nigeria’s lowest-rated player according to SofaScore, scoring 6.2 in a match where Alex Iwobi (8.2) starred with two assists, Semi Ajayi (8.0) scored the opener, and Ademola Lookman (7.7) netted the decisive winner.

While Nigeria took three vital points in Group C, much of the post-match conversation centred on Sanusi’s performance, and whether head coach Eric Chelle should replace him.

Sanusi endured a difficult evening statistically. The 27-year-old lost possession 14 times and struggled to link play effectively down Nigeria’s left flank, with his crossing failing to consistently trouble the Tanzanian defence.

However, the full-back’s display was not without positives. He completed 83 percent of his passes, won one tackle, made three clearances, registered two recoveries, and won three of seven ground duels across the full 90 minutes.

Despite those numbers, criticism on social media was fierce, with many fans calling for Sanusi to be dropped in favour of Olympiakos defender Bruno Onyemaechi.

Some supporters also blamed the Porto player for Tanzania’s equaliser, a view strongly rejected by Garba Lawal.

Speaking to Footy Africa, the former Super Eagles midfielder questioned the narrative forming around the defender.

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Nigeria: What Lawal said to back Sanusi

“Why are they criticizing him? Is he the only player on the pitch, or was he solely at fault for the Tanzania equalizer?

“I don’t understand why one player is being singled out for criticism when football is a team sport. They are not the coach—only the coach (Chelle) knows why he selected him. If he’s not good enough, why is he playing for FC Porto? He has been at Porto for almost five seasons, yet Nigerian fans are still complaining.

“The coach knows his quality, which is why he continues to use him. He can run, tackle, defend, and contribute in attack—so what more do they want? The boy deserves some respect. He is playing for the nation.”

Chelle’s trust and the Tunisia test ahead

Lawal’s defence aligns closely with the thinking of head coach Eric Chelle, who is unlikely to make wholesale changes ahead of Nigeria’s second Group C match against Tunisia on Saturday.

The Malian tactician is known for sticking with winning teams, and Sanusi’s selection against Tanzania suggests the coach values his physicality, experience, and tactical discipline, even when performances fall short of public expectations.

Sanusi was Nigeria’s first-choice left-back during the Super Eagles' brilliant run to the AFCON final last year, starting key matches and providing balance to a side built on transitions and wide attacking outlets. That trust appears unchanged.

Nigeria now face Tunisia with qualification for the knockout stages at stake. Both sides won their opening fixtures, with Tunisia beating Uganda 3-1 to sit top of Group C on goal difference.