Super Eagles Star Zaidu Sanusi Returns to Top-Flight Action After 325 Days

Super Eagles Star Zaidu Sanusi Returns to Top-Flight Action After 325 Days
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi made a remarkable return to first-team action for FC Porto after a 325-day hiatus due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury. The 27-year-old’s return came during Porto’s League Cup semi-final clash against Sporting CP, marking an important milestone in his career.
Sanusi sustained the devastating injury in February 2024 during Porto’s Primeira Liga game against Estrela Amadora, exiting the pitch in the 32nd minute. The diagnosis confirmed the worst—a torn ACL, which sidelined him for nearly eight months. Despite regaining fitness in October 2024, Sanusi had to build his match sharpness with Porto’s second team before making the senior squad again.
A Long-Awaited Comeback
Sanusi was included in Porto’s matchday squads for the UEFA Europa League twice this season but didn’t feature in either game. However, his patience and perseverance paid off on Tuesday.
In the 61st minute of Porto’s League Cup tie against Sporting CP, coach Vitor Bruno brought Sanusi off the bench, just four minutes after Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres scored the game’s only goal. Despite the 1-0 loss, Sanusi delivered an encouraging performance.
The Super Eagles defender registered 27 touches, completed one dribble, made one key pass, and created a major scoring opportunity, which unfortunately went unconverted.
A Bright Outlook
Although Porto fell short in the semi-final, Sanusi’s return is a positive development. It signifies his readiness to compete at the highest level again after nearly a year away from top-flight football.
Sanusi remains a vital asset for FC Porto, with his contract running until 2027. The immediate task for him will be to cement his place in coach Vitor Bruno’s starting eleven.
National Team Prospects
On the international stage, Sanusi is eager to return to the Super Eagles squad. His last outing for Nigeria was during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, where he played a crucial role in the team’s journey to a second-place finish.
If he continues to deliver strong performances for Porto, Sanusi could soon find himself back in contention for a national team call-up, strengthening Nigeria’s defensive options ahead of future tournaments.
For now, Zaidu Sanusi’s story is one of resilience and determination, a testament to his commitment to overcoming adversity and returning stronger.
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