Nigeria’s national team could face a defensive setback ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifying playoff, as Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi struggles to regain full fitness.

The Porto defender has been ruled a doubt for his club’s upcoming Europa League clash against Nottingham Forest due to a calf injury, raising concerns about his availability for Nigeria’s fixtures next month.

Sanusi missed Porto’s Sunday morning recovery session at the CTFD Jorge Costa training complex after their 4-0 Portuguese Cup victory over CD Celoricense.

The club later confirmed that the Nigerian international is receiving treatment for a right calf injury, which he sustained before returning from international duty.

The 28-year-old’s absence from Porto’s squad for the Cup match was another sign of the team’s cautious approach to his recovery.

Sanusi has been a key part of Porto’s setup this season, making nine appearances in all competitions and contributing one goal and one assist. He also started both of Porto’s opening Europa League group matches against Salzburg and Red Star Belgrade, underlining his importance to the side.

For Nigeria, Sanusi’s setback could not have come at a worse time. The Super Eagles already face defensive worries, with Ola Aina and Felix Agu nursing long-term injuries.

Sanusi’s recent recall to the national team, after spending nearly twenty months out, came following the withdrawal of Bright Osayi-Samuel from the squad.

With a crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon looming in November 2025, coach Eric Chelle will be hoping the left-back recovers swiftly.