Porto seeks to delay release of Nigeria defender Zaidu Sanusi for AFCON 2025 despite FIFA deadline

Portuguese giants FC Porto are planning to delay the release of Nigeria international Zaidu Sanusi for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations despite FIFA’s mandatory release date for participating players.

The enterprising defender made the cut for the continental showpiece set to commencement on December 21, 2025 in Morocco, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy.

Sanusi is part of the 28-man squad released on Thursday making him one of the key defensive options for the continental championship.

Porto had planned to release the left-back on Monday as mandated by the world football governing body (FIFA). In a dramatic turn of an event, the Portuguese football heavyweight are reportedly attempting to delay the release of the defender for the tournament.

Per reports, Porto would now prefer to keep Sanusi until 18 December, when they take on Famalicao in the Portuguese Cup before releasing him for the AFCON.

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

Nigeria will compete in Group C, where they face Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. The Super Eagles will open their account at the continental mundial against Tanzania on December 23, 2025.