Nigeria will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign later this month with Eric Chelle already facing selection concerns, and Zaidu Sanusi’s latest injury leaves the Super Eagles coach with another problem to solve at left-back, Footynaija.com reports.
The Super Eagles were drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau, with only one of those teams guaranteed to progress because Tanzania are co-hosts of the tournament. Nigeria will face Madagascar on September 23 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Chelle will want a strong start after Nigeria missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the coach has also been assessing his options across the squad as he prepares for the new qualifying campaign.
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Sanusi had started Porto’s first four league matches this season and played every minute before the setback against Académico de Viseu. His regular involvement under Francesco Farioli had given him a strong run of competitive football going into the international break.
Sanusi faces two months out
Sanusi suffered the injury during Porto’s 3-0 win over Académico de Viseu on August 29, leaving the pitch in the 17th minute after hurting his right adductor while attempting to play the ball.
Porto confirmed that the 29-year-old suffered an injury to his right adductor and would undergo further tests. Those examinations later confirmed a setback expected to keep him out for around two months, meaning the defender is unlikely to be available for Nigeria’s September qualifiers.
Porto coach Francesco Farioli had already raised concerns immediately after the match.
“Zaidu’s looks like something very serious, and Jan seems to have twisted his knee. We’ll see,” Farioli had said.
Sanusi’s absence leaves Chelle with Bruno Onyemaechi and Calvin Bassey among the established options who can operate on the left side, while Felix Agu’s fitness situation could also affect the coach’s plans.
