Nigeria national team updates

Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi is angry about media reports suggesting he might refuse to join the Nigeria national team for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Zaidu has assured the Nigeria Football Federation, Super Eagles fans and manager Eric Chelle that he remains fully committed to representing the Super Eagles, insisting he is ready for action and dismissing outright any notion of rejecting a call-up.

Sanusi has not featured for Nigeria since starting in the 2023 Afcon final against Ivory Coast.

Shortly after returning to Porto, he suffered a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for eight months.

Upon his recovery, the defender struggled to reclaim his place in Porto’s starting lineup, making just six first-team appearances during the 2024–2025 season.

Reports had suggested Sanusi might skip the continental tournament to focus on reviving his club career and securing regular playing time at Porto.

However, the former Santa Clara man has categorically dismissed such claims, declaring himself 100 percent available for selection.

Since taking charge of the Super Eagles, Chelle has preferred Bruno Onyemaechi and Ola Aina in the left-back role, leaving Sanusi with a fight on his hands to reclaim a starting berth at the upcoming tournament.

Sanusi has earned twenty-two caps for the Super Eagles since making his debut in a friendly against Algeria five years ago.