Porto coach hails Sanusi after first start since December
Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi received special praise from manager Francesco Farioli after Porto’s 1-0 win over CD Nacional in a Liga Portugal game yesterday. Prior to the trip to Estádio
Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi received special praise from manager Francesco Farioli after Porto's 1-0 win over CD Nacional in a Liga Portugal game yesterday.
Prior to the trip to Estádio da Madeira, Zaidu had not been included in Porto's starting lineup since going the distance in an Allianz Cup fixture against Vitória Guimarães SC on December 4.
Against CD Nacional, Farioli made five changes to the starting lineup, one of which saw Zaidu start a Portuguese top-flight clash for the first time since August.
The Super Eagles defender gave a good account of himself, registering a game-high two key passes and a team-high two interceptions, while completing 72 percent of his passes.
Porto secured all three points, courtesy of Jan Bednarek's headed goal in the 60th minute.
Francesco Farioli described Zaidu's performance as a testament to the strength and depth of his squad.
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In quotes relayed by A Bola, he told SportTV: "In reality, I think the best proof, you know, of the competence we have from the players who are entering the starting eleven has been Zaidu . It's been a long, long time... I think the last game he started was in Utrecht ,
"I don't know, at the end of October, something like that. And today, playing 90 minutes with maximum focus and dedication is something that... we are where we are because of the strength of the squad, in the sense that everyone is ready to play, everyone is ready to help."
Zaidu was not the only Nigerian international on parade at the Estádio da Madeira as manager Francesco Farioli handed a debut to winter signing Terem Moffi.
The OGC Nice loanee was introduced from the bench and featured for the final 16 minutes of the contest, marking his first appearance for the club since arriving during the January window.
