Zaidu Tears Ligament, To Miss Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifiers

Zaidu Tears Ligament, To Miss Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifiers

Nigerian international defender Zaidu Sanusi suffered a ligament injury during FC Porto’s 2-0 victory at home over Estrella da Amadora on Saturday evening, potentially ruling him out of action for at least six months.

Zaidu, who rejoined his Portuguese club following his contributions to Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire, had already spent three months on the sidelines earlier in the season.

FC Porto officially reported on their website that Zaidu had torn his anterior cruciate ligament, although they did not specify that his season could be over due to the injury.

The 26-year-old left-back was forced off the field in the 37th minute of the top-flight Portuguese league match.

Having made just five appearances in the league this season, scoring once, this injury setback will prevent Zaidu, a crucial member of the Super Eagles backline, from participating in significant upcoming international fixtures, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic in June.