Zaidu Given Rest at Porto After Suffering Knock on Eagles Duty

Porto’s left-back Zaidu Sanusi has been excused from training on Thursday as he recovers from a knock sustained while on Super Eagles duty, All Nigeria Soccer reports.

After nearly twenty months away from the national team, Zaidu was called up late for Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin, replacing the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel. He featured briefly in the win over Lesotho and then started against Benin his first start since the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.

However, in the Benin fixture he had to be substituted in the 74th minute after suffering the knock, with Bruno Onyemaechi coming on in his place. Zaidu was observed limping and had his leg bandaged during post-match celebrations.

When Porto resumed training at their Jorge Costa Sports Training Centre in Olival ahead of their Portuguese Cup third round tie with Celoricense, Zaidu was excused from that session.  Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that the rest was given to allow him to recover after the long journey from international duty.

Manager Francesco Farioli is expected to assess Zaidu’s condition in the final training session before confirming whether he will participate in the cup match. So far this season, Zaidu has featured in all Porto’s matches except for the draw with Benfica before the international break, accumulating 445 minutes over nine appearances.

Editorial

Zaidu Sanusi’s situation is a compelling reminder of the hidden burdens borne by international players. To answer one’s call to country is to accept a strain not only on body but on club allegiance, schedule, and recovery cycles. His excusal from Porto training may be prudent, but it also signals the delicate balance clubs and players must manage.

When a player departs for national duty, they traverse not just geography but differing intensities, styles, and expectations. A long flight back, followed immediately by training demands, is a recipe for fatigue or injury. The knock Zaidu sustained may be borne less from incident than from stress and wear. Porto’s decision to give him respite is wise to demand too swiftly is to risk deeper damage.

What troubles me is that such cases often reflect broader systemic mismanagement. Clubs and national teams must collaborate more sensitively. The ‘rest’ given by Porto is a tacit admission that the calendar has become too punishing, especially for players who straddle two demanding roles.

Zaidu’s record this season 445 minutes in nine matches shows his importance to Porto, and that his presence is missed immediately when sidelined. But such presence must be preserved, not just sacrificed for short-term gain.

In the days ahead, the question will be whether Zaidu is rushed back or reintegrated with care. The latter speaks of respect for longevity; the former risks investment squandered. For now, Porto and Zaidu must temper ambition with patience.

Did You Know?

1. Zaidu had been out of the Super Eagles picture for nearly twenty months before his recent recalls.
2. His last start before the recent Benin match was in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final.
3. He logged 445 minutes over nine appearances so far this season, before being excused from training.
4. Porto’s training centre is named after Jorge Costa, a club legend, where the first team resumed session.
5. After his knock, his substitution was in the 74th minute, with Bruno Onyemaechi entering in his place.