AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Injury Rules Super Eagles Defender Zaidu Sanusi Out

AFCON 2027 Qualifier: Injury Rules Super Eagles Defender Zaidu Sanusi Out

Sampson Adedeji

Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi is set to spend around two months on the sidelines after medical tests confirmed an adductor injury to his right leg, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The 29-year-old sustained the injury during FC Porto’s 3-0 victory over Académico de Viseu on Saturday.

Sanusi was forced off in the 17th minute after picking up the injury while attempting to play the ball. Despite receiving treatment, the left-footed defender was unable to continue, with Martim Fernandes coming on as his replacement.

Medical tests conducted on Sunday confirmed the extent of the injury, with Portuguese publication O Jogo reporting that Sanusi is expected to return after the next international break.

Porto had earlier confirmed that the Nigerian defender was added to the club’s medical report and would undergo further diagnostic examinations.

The injury is a major setback for Nigeria as Sanusi is now expected to miss the Super Eagles’ opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, scheduled to begin in September.

Sanusi has remained an important option at left-back for the Super Eagles and his absence will leave the technical crew with the task of finding a suitable replacement for the upcoming qualifiers.