Super Eagles: How Zaidu, Alebiosu injury updates affect Chelle’s plans for Tanzania

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has received encouraging news about Zaidu Sanusi but faces uncertainty over Ryan Alebiosu as he prepares Nigeria for their 2027 AFCON qualifying double-header against Tanzania.

Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture four days later.

With the Super Eagles needing to recover from their 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, Chelle will want as many defensive options as possible available for the two fixtures.

Zaidu returns to full training after Porto injury scare

Zaidu’s update is a positive one for the Super Eagles. The Porto left-back was substituted at half-time during Saturday’s league match against Estoril after experiencing discomfort in his left knee.

However, Portuguese outlet Record reported that the 29-year-old returned to training without limitations ahead of Porto’s Champions League meeting with Napoli later tonight.

The report revealed that the problem was not serious and puts him in contention for selection against Allegri’s side. His participation in that match will provide a further indication of his readiness ahead of the international break.

For Chelle, Zaidu’s recovery would strengthen the competition at left-back. Bruno Onyemaechi has been a regular option under the Malian coach, while Isaac James offers another alternative following his recent introduction to the senior team.

Zaidu’s experience could be valuable, but only if he gets sufficient playing time at Porto before the international break.

Alebiosu injury leaves Chelle waiting for answers

The situation is unclear for Alebiosu, who was forced off during Blackburn Rovers’ Championship meeting with Stoke City on Tuesday.

The Nigerian right-back started the match but went down with an injury in the 39th minute. He was replaced by Gady Beyuku two minutes later, with Blackburn eventually losing 2-1.

After the game, Blackburn manager Tony Mowbray admitted he did not know the extent of the problem and would wait for the medical department’s assessment.

“I’ve no idea. Ryan gets injured in every game almost, doesn’t he, and generally plays on. I don’t know. I’ll see tomorrow what the physio department thinks,” Mowbray said, according to the Lancashire Telegraph.

The comments offer very little clarity about whether the 24-year-old will be available for Blackburn’s next fixture against West Ham on Saturday, let alone Nigeria’s November assignments.

What the updates mean for the Super Eagles

Alebiosu’s potential absence would not leave Chelle without options at right-back. Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel provide established alternatives, while Abdullahi Bewene is another player the coach can consider.

However, Alebiosu’s availability would give the Super Eagles additional depth and another option to compete for a starting place.

On the opposite flank, Zaidu’s return to full training is encouraging, but his match involvement against Napoli will be closely monitored. Chelle must also consider his recent playing time at club level when assessing his readiness.

Neither update settles the final selection question. Zaidu appears to have overcome his knee scare, while Alebiosu’s condition remains uncertain pending further medical checks.

With Nigeria’s squad announcement still awaited, the coming days should provide Chelle with a clearer picture of the defensive options available for a double-header that could be important to the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.