AFCON Qualifiers Alert: Super Eagles Rocked by Key Defender's Injury Blow!
Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle may be without defender Zaidu Sanusi for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to an injury sustained during a club match. Nigeria, aiming for strong performances in Group C, will likely rely on Bruno Onyemaechi or Calvin Bassey to fill the left-back position.
Super Eagles coach Éric Chelle is facing a significant challenge as Nigeria prepares to kick off its 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign next month, with key defender Zaidu Sanusi likely to be sidelined due to injury. Nigeria, having secured third place in the 2025 AFCON, is aiming for an even stronger performance in the upcoming edition hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. However, the path to qualification, beginning next month, presents an immediate hurdle.
The three-time African champions have been drawn into Group C for the qualifiers, alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau. As coach Chelle compiles his squad list for the initial two fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, the absence of Zaidu Sanusi poses a considerable concern.
The 29-year-old sustained an injury during Porto's Portuguese league match against Académico de Viseu on Saturday evening. Sanusi, a regular starter for the reigning Portuguese champions, was forced to leave the pitch in the 18th minute due to the serious injury. While Porto went on to secure a convincing 3-0 victory, maintaining their top spot with 12 points from four matches, Sanusi's injury is a blow for both club and country.
As of now, the precise nature of Sanusi's injury remains unconfirmed, but he is expected to face several weeks on the sidelines. With the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers just over three weeks away, the probability of him returning and achieving match fitness in time is deemed slim.
Consequently, coach Chelle will need to explore alternative options for the left-back position. Since the Franco-Malian coach took charge, Bruno Onyemaechi has frequently occupied the left-back role and has consistently delivered strong performances. Additionally, Calvin Bassey, known for his versatility, is fully capable of stepping into that position if Onyemaechi were to also face an injury. Despite Sanusi's potential absence, the Super Eagles are believed to possess sufficient defensive depth to effectively manage their initial qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.