Super Eagles Defender Zaidu Sanusi Left Out of FC Porto's Opening Squad

The much-anticipated FIFA Club World Cup has officially kicked off, bringing together club football's elite from across the globe. However, for Nigerian football fans, the start of the tournament was marked by a notable absence in a prominent fixture: Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi was conspicuously left out of FC Porto's starting lineup for their opening match against Brazilian giants Palmeiras. The decision by Porto's coaching staff to omit the Nigerian international from the crucial encounter has raised questions among supporters and commentators alike, particularly given Sanusi's established reputation as a key player for both club and country.
FC Porto, one of Europe's revered footballing institutions, began their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a tense goalless draw against a resilient Palmeiras side at MetLife Stadium. The match, characterized by end-to-end action and robust defensive displays from both teams, saw Porto hold their own against a strong opponent. Despite a solid team performance that suggested resilience and determination, the absence of Sanusi from the pitch was a significant talking point. As one of five Nigerian players slated to participate in this year's expanded Club World Cup, expectations were high for Sanusi to feature prominently, making his omission from the starting XI all the more surprising.
The specific reasons behind the defender's exclusion from the opener have not been officially disclosed by FC Porto. In professional football, a variety of factors can contribute to a player being left out of a starting lineup. These often include tactical decisions by the manager, where a different player's skillset might be deemed more suitable for a particular opponent or game plan. For instance, a coach might opt for a more defensively solid full-back against a strong attacking wing, or a player with better aerial ability if facing a team known for crosses. Fitness concerns are another common reason; even if a player is not outright injured, they might not be deemed match-fit enough to start a high-intensity game, especially in a tournament setting. Recent form can also play a crucial role, with managers often selecting players who are currently performing at their peak. Furthermore, squad rotation, particularly in a packed schedule like the Club World Cup, is a common strategy to manage player fatigue and keep the squad fresh for subsequent matches.
For Sanusi, who is 28 years old, the past season with Porto has been somewhat challenging. Reports indicate that he has endured a "torrid time," notably losing his regular starting berth after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. This significant injury kept him sidelined for an extensive period, reportedly 227 days, between February and September 2024. This extended absence undoubtedly impacted his match fitness and rhythm. While he may have returned to action, regaining full sharpness and the confidence of the coaching staff after such a severe injury can be a gradual process. This injury also followed another muscle setback earlier in the same season, which cost him an additional 48 days out. Such a series of injuries could understandably lead to a cautious approach from the club, prioritizing his long-term recovery and gradual reintegration into competitive play.
The implications of being sidelined, especially in a prestigious tournament like the Club World Cup, extend beyond club dynamics. For international players like Sanusi, consistent club performance is often a prerequisite for national team call-ups. Super Eagles coaches closely monitor the form and fitness of their players at their respective clubs. Regular playing time demonstrates a player's readiness and ability to compete at the highest level. While a single omission might not immediately jeopardize his standing with the Super Eagles, prolonged periods out of the club's starting XI due to injury or tactical preferences could potentially impact future selections, especially with a competitive pool of Nigerian defenders vying for places in the national squad. However, given Sanusi's history with the Super Eagles and his importance to the team when fit, it is likely that his situation will be closely monitored, with understanding given to the context of his recent injury recovery.
Looking ahead, Nigerian fans will be keenly observing the subsequent matches of FC Porto in the Club World Cup, hoping to see Sanusi and his compatriots feature prominently as the tournament unfolds. His quality as a left-back is undeniable when fully fit, offering both defensive solidity and attacking impetus. Porto's solid performance in the opener, despite the goalless draw, provides a foundation for confidence as they look to progress through the competition. The hope remains that Sanusi's current omission is a temporary measure, perhaps related to fitness management or specific tactical choices for the opening game, rather than a reflection of a permanent shift in his standing within the squad. His return to consistent action for FC Porto would undoubtedly be a welcome sight for both his club and the Super Eagles.
Source@Pulse Sports