Portuguese giants FC Porto have cleared the air on why left full back Zaidu Sanusi wasn’t included in the Super Eagles squad for the dead rubber AFCON qualifiers game against Sao Tome and Principe.
The 26 year old wasn’t in the list of 23 players called up by the coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Jose Peseiro, when the list was made public and news in Portugal had it that he was dropped due to poor performance.
In his defence, FC Porto said bureaucratic reasons were behind his non-inclusion in the final list, explaining that he was actually summoned by Peseiro to be a part of the squad for the game.
They said they contacted the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) after receiving his invitation and explained that Zaidu can’t travel now as they are processing his Schengen visa. And considering the fact that he will be allowed to attend the AFCON in January asked for understanding from the NFF, particularly as the game has no direct implications on Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament.
In the spirit of keeping up with the good relationship between both parties, the NFF accepted and a replacement in Jamilu Collins of Cardiff City was called up for the game on Sunday.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman