Sérgio Conceição has offered a strong defence of Zaidu Sanusi’s time at FC Porto, highlighting the Nigerian international’s exceptional speed and ability to cover the left side of the pitch, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The former Porto manager was speaking on a DAZN programme on Thursday when he reflected on the Portuguese side’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Bayer Leverkusen in October 2022 and discussed the qualities that made Sanusi an important part of his squad.
Conceição dismissed suggestions that the Nigerian defender was given opportunities without doing enough to justify them, insisting that Sanusi had earned the trust placed in him during his time in charge.
“Zaidu a spoiled brat? Honestly, I don’t think so. He’s proven otherwise. The proof of my insistence is that he’s still at FC Porto today and is useful to FC Porto,” Conceição said, according to OneFootball.
The former Porto boss also pointed to Sanusi’s physical attributes, particularly his speed and ability to cover significant ground from his position on the left.
“Physically, he’s above average, extremely fast. He runs down the left flank incredibly well,” he added.
Conceição’s comments come at a time when Porto are reportedly considering extending Sanusi’s contract.
Portuguese newspaper A Bola reports that the club’s hierarchy plans to offer the defender a new deal in the coming weeks, with his current contract due to expire at the end of the season.
If an agreement is not reached before January, Sanusi would be free to negotiate with other clubs ahead of a potential free transfer.
Despite competition from Francisco Moura and the emergence of Souza, the Nigerian remains an option for Porto on the left side of defence and has made five appearances this season.
However, Sanusi is currently recovering from an adductor injury to his right leg sustained during Porto’s 3-0 victory over Académico de Viseu.
The 29-year-old was forced off just 17 minutes after picking up the injury while attempting to play the ball, with Martim Fernandes coming on as his replacement.
Subsequent medical examinations confirmed the injury, with reports from Portugal suggesting that Sanusi could be sidelined for approximately two months.
Sanusi joined Porto from Santa Clara in August 2020 after making his way through Portuguese football, having previously played for Gil Vicente and Mirandela.
He has gone on to enjoy several memorable moments with the club, including scoring the winning goal in Porto’s 1-0 victory over Benfica in May 2022, a result that secured the Portuguese league title.
The Super Eagles defender has won two Portuguese league titles, two Portuguese Cups, two Portuguese Super Cups and one Portuguese League Cup during his time with Porto.