Former FC Porto head coach Sérgio Conceição has defended Zaidu Sanusi, praising the Nigerian international’s pace, athleticism and ability to cover the entire left flank. Conceição said Sanusi’s continued role at Porto demonstrates why he pushed for the club to sign the full-back.
Responding to previous questions about Sanusi’s attitude, Conceição dismissed suggestions that the defender lacks professionalism or focus.
“Zaidu a spoiled brat? Honestly, I don’t think so. He has proven otherwise,” Conceição said. “The proof of my insistence is that he is still at FC Porto today and is useful to FC Porto.”
The former Porto manager pointed to the physical qualities that first attracted him to Sanusi, who joined the club from Santa Clara in 2020.
“Physically, he is above average, extremely fast,” Conceição said. “He runs down the left flank incredibly well.”
Conceição recalled Porto’s 2–0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022 as an example of Sanusi’s importance. The Nigerian’s speed, recovery ability and willingness to cover large areas helped Porto cope with Leverkusen’s attacking threat and manage the demands of the left side in both defensive and attacking phases.
Elsewhere, Galatasaray hope Victor Osimhen will recover in time to face Barcelona in the Champions League on 13 October. The Nigeria striker suffered a moderate-to-advanced strain in his right adductor during Galatasaray’s 3–2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir and was ruled out of the club’s opening European match against Sporting CP.
Galatasaray initially expected Osimhen to miss two to three weeks, including Nigeria’s opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Turkish champions hope he can return after the international break, with the home meeting against Barcelona a potential target.
Tolu Arokodare has made a strong start to his Ajax career, scoring five goals in his opening seven appearances after joining on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The 25-year-old struck in Ajax’s 3–1 defeat to PSV Eindhoven, extending his scoring run to four consecutive matches.
Nathan Tella is also working toward a return for Bayer Leverkusen. Head coach Carles Martínez Novell said the winger is not yet ready but could return to the squad after the international break, giving him two to three weeks to regain full fitness.
Nigeria’s European-based players continue to make headlines across major leagues and competitions. Sanusi’s experience at Porto, Osimhen’s expected return, Arokodare’s goalscoring form and Tella’s recovery offer the Super Eagles both encouragement and selection questions ahead of a demanding international schedule.
