Porto injury blow: Zaidu Sanusi faces spell on sidelines

Porto head coach Francesco Farioli says Zaidu Sanusi’s injury in the 3-0 victory over Academico de Viseu FC appears to be more serious than first feared.

The Super Eagles defender was forced off during Saturday’s match after going down in the 18th minute while attempting to play the ball. He received treatment before being replaced by Martim Fernandes.

Sanusi is reported to have suffered an adductor injury, although Porto are waiting for further medical examinations before confirming the full extent of the problem and how long the 29-year-old could be unavailable.

The injury could keep Sanusi out of action for a period and may place his involvement in Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers in doubt. The qualifiers are scheduled to begin next month, leaving Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle potentially without one of his experienced defensive options if Sanusi’s recovery takes longer than expected.

Speaking after the match, Farioli acknowledged that the injury looked more serious than initially anticipated, but stressed that a definitive assessment would depend on further tests.

Sanusi had started each of Porto’s league matches this season and played every minute of their campaign before being forced off against Academico de Viseu. Despite his early departure, the Portuguese champions maintained their perfect start to the league season with a fourth successive victory.

Andre Silva put Porto ahead in the fifth minute before Gabri Veiga and William Gomes added further goals before half-time. The result completed a comfortable win for Farioli’s side and continued their successful defence of the league title.

Porto had previously defeated Alverca, Rio Ave and Arouca in the league. Those four victories leave them top of the standings with 12 points, two clear of second-placed Sporting CP.

Sanusi’s injury comes during a period of uncertainty over his club future. The Nigeria international is entering the final year of his contract at Porto, but he has continued to feature prominently in Farioli’s plans.

His importance to the team had been underlined by his involvement in every league minute before Saturday’s setback. Porto will now await the results of the medical checks before determining when he can return to training and competitive action.

For Nigeria, the timing of the injury could prove significant. With the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign due to get under way next month, Chelle may need to consider alternative defensive options if Sanusi is ruled out for an extended period.

Porto’s victory ensured that the injury did not prevent them from extending their winning run, but the club and the Super Eagles will now be focused on the results of Sanusi’s assessment.