As the countdown to the draws for the qualifiers of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) approaches, the Super Eagles' defense has been significantly boosted with the return to full training of two key players: Zaidu Sanusi and William Troost-Ekong.
Both Sanusi and Troost-Ekong played integral roles in the Super Eagles' impressive run to the podium at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Unfortunately, both players suffered injuries at different intervals, which hindered their participation in crucial matches. T
Desperately needed defensive boost for Super Eagles
roost-Ekong, who was named Player of The Tournament at the Nations Cup, had to undergo surgery for an injury he sustained during the competition.
Troost-Ekong's injury cut short his season with Greek side PAOK Salonika, causing him to miss Nigeria’s FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
Despite enduring an injury-ravaged season, he managed to play 22 matches and register an assist.
Although he had started individual training earlier and trained separately from the main team at PAOK, he has now received the all-clear to join pre-season training fully.
For Zaidu Sanusi, he sustained a season-ending injury in Porto’s league game against Estrela in February, damaging his cruciate ligament.
The 27-year-old also missed the World Cup qualifiers in June but has been diligently working to be ready for the pre-season.
During the 2023/24 campaign, he only featured in 10 matches for the Dragons, scoring one goal. Sanusi has now rejoined the rest of the Porto squad as they officially resumed pre-season training in preparation for the new season.
Without both players, Nigeria struggled in the qualifiers, conceding three goals in two games against South Africa (1-1) and Benin (2-1), and leaving their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in jeopardy.
With the return of Sanusi and Troost-Ekong, Nigeria's defense looks poised to be stronger and more resilient as they aim to not only get back on course when World Cup qualifying resumes in 2025, but also get off to a good start in their quest to secure a place at AFCON 2025.
