Sanusi ruled out of action ahead Nigeria v Saudi Arabia friendly

Zaidu Sanusi is not in contention to be named in Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for October international against Saudi Arabia according to updates from Porto manager Sérgio Conceição.

The left-back was forced off at halftime during Porto’s Champions League opener against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday.

Conceição initially played down the severity of the injury, saying post-match that the defender was replaced as a precaution due to a muscle problem.

Upon the team’s return to Portugal on Wednesday, Sanusi underwent a medical examination and the tests showed that he suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh.

Speaking at Friday’s pre-match press conference before his side’s meeting with Gil Vicente, Conceição confirmed that Sanusi will not be available for selection for tomorrow’s game at the Estádio Do Dragão.

The Portuguese football tactician added that Sanusi will be out of action in the next few weeks, which makes him a huge doubt to be summoned for the friendly against Saudi Arabia.

Nigeria manager Jose Peserio certainly had plans to include Sanusi on his roster for the friendly, given that the the game is scheduled to hold in Portugal where the player is based and it would be the national team’s last match before the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

The 26-year-old was not called up for Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against São Tomé and Príncipe earlier this month.