I Was Surprised To Be Left Out, But I Am Ready To Help Nigeria Qualify For The WC—According to Eagles’ Defender

 

 

Zaidu Sanusi, a Super Eagles defender, has confessed that he was astonished by his omission from Nigeria’s first 23-man team for the next World Cup qualifiers.

Zaidu states in an Own Goal Nigeria story published on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, that his primary objective is now to support the squad in earning qualifying.

Later, after Werder Bremen’s Felix Agu suffered an injury, head coach Eric Chelle gave the FC Porto left-back a late call-up, and the player said, his willingness to help the team succeed.

“I have been playing a lot of games, so I was shocked that I didn’t make the first list of 23 players for the games,” Zaidu stated.

But the defender said that the job ahead of them is challenging, but he insisted that the club is capable of completing it.

“It’s a tough scenario, but we can handle it,” Zaidu continued.

Since the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, when he sustained an injury that forced him to return, Zaidu’s recall marks his first engagement with the Super Eagles. retained him on the sidelines for the remainder of the year.

The 28-year-old has made a strong comeback for Porto after being completely healthy, and last week he scored his first goal of the season.

Thus far, he has made appearances in two Europa League games and seven league contests.

Zaidu is anticipated to play a significant role as Nigeria’s captain in their next World Cup qualifying games against Lesotho and the Benin Republic. On the way to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Eagles want to earn crucial points.