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Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has been dealt a major blow after FC Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi suffered a serious injury during the club’s 3-0 victory over Académico Viseu on Saturday evening.
The Nigerian international was forced off in the first half after complaining of physical discomfort during the encounter at the Fontelo Stadium.
Zaidu was eventually replaced by Martim Fernandes in the 18th minute, bringing his involvement in the fourth-round Betclic League fixture to an early end.
In a statement released on the club’s official website, FC Porto revealed that the defender suffered an injury to his right adductor muscle and will undergo further diagnostic tests to determine the severity of the problem and the expected length of his absence.
Meanwhile, FC Porto manager Francesco Farioli provided a worrying update after the match, admitting that Zaidu’s injury ‘seems serious’.
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The development will come as a major concern for Chelle, with the Super Eagles preparing for their upcoming 2026 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures in September.
Zaidu has established himself as an important member of the national team and his potential absence could leave Chelle with limited options at left-back.
The Porto defender also joins Werder Bremen left-back Felix Agu on the injury list, with the German-born Nigerian already considered a doubt for the upcoming international fixtures due to fitness concerns.
With the latest setback, Zaidu is now expected to face a race against time to recover in time for Nigeria’s qualifiers against Madagascar on September 23 and Guinea-Bissau on September 27.
Chelle will now hope that further medical examinations provide a more positive update and that the experienced defender can recover in time to play a role for the Super Eagles.
