Porto Seek to Delay Zaidu Sanusi’s AFCON 2025 Release Despite FIFA Deadline

FC Porto are reportedly attempting to delay the release of Nigerian defender Zaidu Sanusi ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite FIFA’s mandatory release date for participating players.

Sanusi was officially included in Nigeria’s 28-man squad for the tournament by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle on Thursday, making him one of the key defensive options for the continental championship.

According to reports, Porto plan to release the left-back only after their Portuguese League match against Estrela next Monday. However, a new update from One Football claims the club would prefer to keep Sanusi until 18 December, when they take on Famalicão in the Portuguese Cup.

This move would conflict with FIFA’s directive, which requires all clubs to release players for AFCON duty no later than Monday, December 15.