Why Super Eagles star Sanusi missed Porto vs AVS despite travelling with the squad

Zaidu Sanusi was omitted from the Porto team that faced Vila das Aves at the weekend but the Super Eagles defender still travelled with the squad for the away matchday fixture, Afrik-Foot reports.

Fresh from sealing the 2025-26 Primeira Liga title, FC Porto travelled to Vila das Aves on Sunday knowing the pressure was off. The champions had already wrapped up the league crown with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Alverca eight days earlier, allowing coach Francesco Farioli to reshuffle his side for the trip to bottom-placed AVS SAD.

That decision led to one notable absence from the matchday squad, Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi.

Although the Nigerian left-back did not make the final list for the round 33 fixture, he still travelled with the squad to Vila das Aves, joining teammates during the club’s first away match since being crowned champions. Porto eventually suffered a surprising 3-1 defeat, with several regular starters rested from action as Farioli experimented with his lineup.

Sanusi’s omission was not linked to any disciplinary issue or fresh injury setback as per O Jogo. Instead, it was largely connected to careful squad management after a physically demanding title-winning week.

Farioli made numerous changes against AVS as Porto looked ahead to their final home game of the season at the Estádio do Dragão. The Italian manager also had one eye on protecting players who had recently returned from injuries, including Sanusi.

The 28-year-old defender missed 33 games during the 2023-24 campaign after being out for 227 days due to a cruciate ligament tear. The former Santa Clara man struggled following his comeback last season but he regained his top form this term and played an important part in the title-winning charge.

Why Sanusi still travelled with Porto

Even without a place in the matchday squad, Sanusi remained an important presence around the team during the trip to Vila das Aves.

The Nigerian travelled alongside the newly crowned champions to maintain unity inside the dressing room and continue the club’s title celebrations.

Porto’s arrival in Vila das Aves was greeted by supporters chanting ‘champion,’ with Sanusi joining teammates in acknowledging fans despite not featuring in the game itself.

The journey also carried personal significance for the defender. Before kick-off, Sanusi reunited with familiar faces from his past, including coach João Henriques, whom he previously worked with during his spell at Santa Clara. He was also seen speaking with AVS general manager Diogo Boa Alma, another figure connected to his years in the Azores.

Sanusi’s importance to Porto this season goes far beyond one missed game. The Super Eagles defender played a major role in the club’s march to the title and was widely viewed by supporters as a ‘lucky charm’ because of Porto’s remarkable record whenever he featured.

Across 17 league appearances, Sanusi contributed one goal and one assist while helping Porto build one of the strongest defensive records in Portugal. During one notable stretch of 13 matches in which he played, the team conceded only three goals. His recovery pace, defensive positioning, and ability to protect the left side of the defence proved vital throughout the campaign.

The league triumph also placed Sanusi in Porto history. By winning the 2025-26 title, he became the first Nigerian player ever to secure two Portuguese league crowns with the club.

Porto now have only one match remaining this season, a final Primeira Liga fixture against former club Santa Clara on Sunday, May 17 at the Estádio do Dragão. With the title already secured, the encounter is expected to become a celebration afternoon for supporters as the champions close another successful domestic campaign.