Porto defender, Zaidu Sanusi could miss Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa due to injury.
Sanusi failed to train with his teammates in Bouake on Tuesday night as they rounded up preparations for the highly anticipated last four fixture billed for Stade de la Paix.
The left-back has battled with injury during the ongoing AFCON 2023 finals.
The 26-year-old has made five appearances for the Super Eagles in Cote d’Ivoire.
He has come under intense criticism for his not too impressive displays for the Super Eagles in the competition.
Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi are in line to replace him in the starting line-up against Bafana Bafana.
13 Comments
I’m fine with that. Let him be replaced.
No wonder Sanusi hasn’t really been at his best in the turnee. When Bright Osayi played that position, we could see a significant mobility Eagles surging upwards with a lightening alignment between the defence and the attack. He was very closed to scoring having held 4 opposing defenders to retreating with a vision to bang in goal. Should he replicate such in today’s match and if given the chance, we could be having an additional goal scorer which is actually what is needed as against changing the winning team, especially in this all important match.
@Francis Elugba Bright Osayi Samuels was useless against Bissau and he is selfish. I remember a run he made which had he laid it up for Osimhen or the attacker with him oj the move it would have been a certain goal however Osayi just had no intention to assist he did not even look up until the defender took the ball from him cheaply. Sanusi speed alone makes him a better player than Osayi and is crucial for this Bafana game
Bro, Osayi wasn’t the only one guilty of selfishness in that match. Chukwueze and Simon were guilty too, even Osimhen to an extent. But it seems the coach has addressed that issue. I saw a lot of improvement in that regard. The pass Osimhen laid to Lookman for the first goal against Cameroon and Simon’s sublime pass to Lookman for that goal against Angola were testaments of that improvement. I believe Osayi must have been cautioned too. I prefer him to Sanusi anyway, anytime.
Bright osai-Samuel played right half back in that match not really left had back it was Calvin that was moved to that position when Sanusi was replaced
@Ugo Iwunze, they don’t judge a player by a single match or few matches. If you don’t Osayi well, it’s better you don’t comment at all rather than condemning him for what happened in a single match. This is just like coming for Osimhen for all his misses and then tag him a flop or mediocre.
Sometimes players fill under pressure to deliver and this affect their games. If you truly watch the AFCON Qualifier and the 2 world Cup qualifiers SE messed up, Osayi and Bruno Onyemachi were outstanding. If any1 tell me Aina and Sanusi will be the Coach preferred choice for those position, i will argue.
Osayi and Onyemachi were delightful to watch in the qualifiers they played while Aina and Zaidu were out injured. Onyemachi crosses into the box were amazing.his overlapping runs down the line were perfect, his support in the attack were great. I didn’t observe his defensive duties thoroughly so in that aspect i can’t say he’s better than ZAIDU. But offensively, Onyemachi will dust Zaidu and bench him at any European club where merit is the order of the day.
Osayi is fantastic both offensive and defensive. Very rugged defender and not a type you can bully on the ball. He’s stronger than Aina, he also make timely run into the box, perfect cross or square play. Very good as either wing back or full back. In my assessment you don’t need a player like Chukwueze in that position when you’ve Osayi that can support the attack perfectly and also perform his defensive duties.
However, i don’t buy the idea of moving Osayi to the left. I prefer the Coach switching Aina a utility player to the left and use Osayi at his best position or rather start Bruno
@Ugo Iwunze
Honestly, I’m excusing your ignorance, no pun intended. You see, you just unknowingly confirmed the responsibility of an effective full back and exactly what Osayi does, cutting into opposition defense with pace and dribble toward the goal box like to score goals too though he’s also expected to pass and cross the ball to Osimhen or Lookman. Being a full back finisher, his presence in the squad brings about defensive and more of offensive play, that’s Osayi input in the team.
It’s a team work where all the players, Nwabili, Ekong, Bassey, Aribo, Frank, Lookman and Simon are expected to double up like Victor Osimhen who has clearly been everywhere on the pitch ensuring that we are still in the game. No one can fault the’ truth.
Osayi Samuel is a selfish player who must not be used. I haven’t really seen Bruno play but Paseiro must address this issue of selfishness in the team.
If you see a better positioned player for God’s sake pass the ball. Don’t be selfish!
Ah Baba, this afcon has 2 matches left. Now is the time for players to have their afcon moments. E no go pass one minute. Who else won’t like to be called “rave of the moment” as Lookman was called a few days back by CS?
Osimhen in spite of his yeoman’s job is already called “xG flop” of the tourney because he’s had 19 shots at goal in 5 matches scoring only 1 of them.
So, let he who wants his afcon moment be left to do so oh
Ah Sylvester,
Now you see why we clamour for Onuachu to be afforded more meaningful minutes.
Also, this team has proven you wrong by going far in the tournament.
The truth is that only an ignorant coach drops his winning team for the unrested in such a crucial match. What needs to be done is everything to make the team qualifies for the ground finale, I don’t think we have to be sentimental as I also feel we should be interested in a merit based selection.
I see Nigeria winning the AFCON if oshimen score.
I wish Zaidu a speedy recovery. This is an opportunity for Bruno Onyemaechi. That guy is a rock and a very intelligent player.
Zaidu hasn’t convinced me at the national team just like Moffi.
All the best Super Eagles. Ire o. God bless Nigeria!!!