Sérgio Conceição has defended his decision to keep believing in Zaidu Sanusi, saying the Nigerian defender has proved that his faith in him was justified, Footynaija reports.
The former FC Porto manager was speaking on a DAZN programme on Thursday while recalling Porto’s 2-0 Champions League win over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022.
Conceição was asked about criticism of Sanusi and rejected the suggestion that the left-back had been protected or given opportunities without earning them.
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“Zaidu a spoiled brat? Honestly, I don’t think so. He’s proven otherwise. The proof of my insistence is that he’s still at FC Porto today and is useful to FC Porto,” Conceição said, via OneFootball.
His comments were a clear defence of the decision to keep selecting and supporting the Super Eagles defender despite the criticism he faced.
Conceição also explained the quality that made him continue to trust Zaidu Sanusi.
“Physically, he’s above average, extremely fast. He runs down the left flank incredibly well,” he added.
Sanusi’s speed has been one of his key strengths at Porto. It allows him to cover a large part of the left side, help his team in defence and quickly move forward when Porto attack.
The 29-year-old joined Porto from Santa Clara in August 2020 after making his way through Portuguese football. He first moved to Portugal in 2016 and played for Gil Vicente and Mirandela before joining Santa Clara.
He made 27 appearances and scored once for Santa Clara in the 2019-20 season before earning his move to Porto.
Sanusi has since won two Portuguese league titles, two Portuguese Cups, two Super Cups and a League Cup with Porto.
He was also a key member of the Super Eagles squad that won silver and bronze at the 2023 and 2025 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, respectively.
