Super Eagles star Sanusi missed the Porto vs AVS match despite traveling with the squad

Zaidu Sanvare Sanusi was left out of the Porto lineup that faced Vila das Aves over the weekend, yet the Super Eagles defender still travelled with the squad for the away fixture, Afrik‑Foot reports.

Having already secured the 2025‑26 Primeira Liga title, FC Porto arrived in Vila das Aves on Sunday with the pressure removed. The champions had clinched the crown eight days earlier with a hard‑fought 1‑0 victory over Alverca, giving coach Francesco Farioli the freedom to rotate his side for the trip to bottom‑placed AVS SAD.

The rotation resulted in one conspicuous omission from the matchday roster: Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi.

Although the Nigerian left‑back was not named in the final squad for the round‑33 match, he still accompanied the team to Vila das Aves, joining his teammates for Porto’s first away game since being crowned champions. Porto eventually suffered a surprising 3‑1 defeat, with several regular starters rested as Farioli experimented with his lineup.

Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi. Copyright: xRitaxFrancaxIMAGO

Sanusi’s exclusion was not due to disciplinary reasons or a new injury, according to O Jogo. It was primarily linked to careful squad management after a physically demanding title‑winning week.

Farioli made numerous changes for the AVS match as Porto looked ahead to their final home game of the season at the Estádio do Dragão. The Italian manager also aimed to protect players who had recently returned from injuries, including Sanusi.

The 28‑year‑old missed 33 games during the 2023‑24 campaign after a 227‑day lay‑off caused by a cruciate ligament tear. The former Santa Clara player struggled after his comeback last season but regained top form this term and played a key role in the title charge.

Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi. Copyright: IMAGOxJosexSalgueiro

Why Sanusi still travelled with Porto

Even without a place in the matchday squad, Sanusi remained an important presence around the team during the trip to Vila das Aves.

The Nigerian travelled with the newly crowned champions to preserve unity in the dressing room and to continue the club’s title celebrations.

Porto’s arrival in Vila das Aves was met with supporters chanting “champion,” and Sanusi joined his teammates in acknowledging the fans despite not featuring in the game.

The journey also held personal significance for the defender. Before kick‑off, Sanusi reunited with familiar faces from his past, including coach João Henriques, with whom he worked during his spell at Santa Clara. He was also seen speaking with AVS general manager Diogo Boa Alma, another figure linked to his years in the Azores.

Seko Fofana and Zaidu Sanusi seen in action. Photo by IMAGO

Sanusi’s importance to Porto this season extends beyond a single missed game. The Super Eagles defender played a major role in the club’s march to the title and was widely regarded by supporters as a “lucky charm” because of Porto’s strong record whenever he featured.

In 17 league appearances, Sanusi contributed one goal and one assist while helping Porto assemble one of the strongest defensive records in Portugal. During a stretch of 13 matches in which he played, the team conceded only three goals. His recovery speed, defensive positioning, and ability to protect the left side of the defence proved vital throughout the campaign.

The league triumph also placed Sanusi in Porto history. By winning the 2025‑26 title, he became the first Nigerian player ever to secure two Portuguese league crowns with the club.

Porto now have one match left this season, a final Primeira Liga fixture against former club Santa Clara on Sunday, May 17 at the Estádio do Dragão. With the title already secured, the encounter is expected to become a celebratory afternoon for supporters as the champions close another successful domestic campaign.