Portuguese club seek to delay Super Eagles star's release for 2025 AFCON duty

Portuguese giants FC Porto are reportedly pushing to delay the release of Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Sanusi, Nigeria’s left-back, was named in head coach Eric Chelle’s 28-man squad for the tournament. Under FIFA rules, all clubs must release their players for “A” international tournaments no later than Monday, December 15, to allow adequate preparation time.

However, Porto is seeking special consideration.

The Dragons are expected to free Sanusi after their league game against Estrela next Monday. But according to reports in Portugal, the club wants him available for an additional match, a crucial Portuguese Cup fixture against Famalicão scheduled for December 18.

This request would effectively delay Sanusi’s arrival at the Super Eagles camp by three days, potentially affecting Nigeria’s early preparations.

Nigeria’s AFCON preparations officially begin on Monday, December 15, the same date all clubs are required to release players.

As part of their build-up, the Super Eagles will play a high-profile friendly against the Pharaohs of Egypt on Tuesday, December 16 at the Cairo International Stadium.

Sanusi’s availability for that game is now uncertain, depending on whether Porto’s appeal is approved or ignored.

Head coach Eric Chelle is expected to insist on full camp attendance, especially with AFCON kicking off on December 21. Nigeria open their Group C campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Fès, before facing Tunisia and Uganda.