Club World Cup: Super Eagles defender snubbed as club kick off campaign - Nigerian star left out of opener

Nigerian defender Zaidu Sanusi was left on the sidelines as Portuguese giants FC Porto kicked off their 2025 FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a tense goalless draw against Brazilian side Palmeiras at MetLife Stadium.

The match was a thrilling end-to-end affair that neither team deserved to lose. Palmeiras’ Estevao, who earned the Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match award, came close to breaking the deadlock with two excellent chances. 

Meanwhile, Porto held their own throughout the contest, showing resilience and determination against a strong opponent.

Sanusi, one of five Nigerians representing the country in this year’s Club World Cup, was a spectator for the opener, with the reason for his omission not disclosed. 

Despite his absence, Porto’s solid performance gives them confidence as they look ahead to the next stages of the tournament.

Both teams will take positives from this tightly contested match, knowing they have what it takes to progress in the global competition. 

Meanwhile, Nigerian fans will be keen to see Sanusi and his compatriots feature prominently as the tournament unfolds.

In a related development, Group A remains open after both matches ended in goalless affair. 

African powerhouse, Al Ahly were held to a share of the spoils by home side Inter Miami and their superstar player Lionel Messi.

Ahly dominated the encounter and created the most chances but failed to make it count in what turned out to be a match for goalkeepers.

Both Inter’s Oscar Ustari, who earned man of the match in the opener, and his Al Ahly counterpart, put on a show to ensure the teams kicked started their campaign with a point.