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Super Eagles boss Jose Peseiro provides key injury update on Zaidu Sanusi.
The Super Eagles are on the brink of AFCON 2023 glory, but as they gear up for the final showdown on Sunday, a question mark hangs over key defender Zaidu Sanusi's participation.
The Porto stalwart has been instrumental in Nigeria's defensive prowess throughout the tournament, featuring in five matches and anchoring a backline that's conceded little.
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23:45 - 10.02.2024
AFCON 2023: Nigerians congratulate South Africa for bronze medal win against DR Congo
Nigerians congratulate South Africa for AFCON 2023: bronze medal win against DR Congo.
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19:22 - 10.02.2024
AFCON 2023: CAF president Patrice Motsepe urges Nigeria to consider hosting World Cup
The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has voiced his support for the idea of an African nation hosting the World Cup tournament in the future.
However, an injury scare ahead of the ultimate match has thrown a spanner in the works for coach Jose Peseiro and the Nigerian squad.
Fitness Race Against Time
Sanusi's absence was felt in the semi-final bout against South Africa, where Bright Osayi-Samuel stepped in to fill the void left by the first-choice left-back. Despite Osayi-Samuel's commendable performance, the team and fans alike are anxious about Sanusi's availability for the final.
The defender picked up a knock in the quarters against Angola, putting his participation in jeopardy. "Sanusi Zaidu had condition training yesterday, we will have the last training session today, and we will check with him to see if he will be available," Peseiro disclosed to Soccernet, highlighting the uncertainty that looms over Sanusi's readiness.
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Contingency Plans in Place
Should Sanusi fail to recover in time, Peseiro has expressed confidence in Osayi-Samuel's ability to deputize effectively. The adaptability and depth of the Nigerian squad have been a hallmark of their campaign, with every player stepping up when called upon.
This resilience and team spirit will be crucial as they face their final test in the quest for continental supremacy.
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