Super Eagles left-back Zaidu Sanusi returned to action for FC Porto as the Portuguese champions played out a 1-1 draw against Scottish Premiership side Hibernian FC in a behind-closed-doors pre-season friendly on Saturday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The match, played at the Jorge Costa Training and Football Development Centre, is Porto’s first game of the 2026/27 pre-season as head coach Francesco Farioli prepares the team for the new campaign.
Sanusi was included in the squad after enjoying an extended summer break following his international duties with the Super Eagles. The Nigerian defender’s return will be a welcome boost for Porto as the club gets set for another busy season in Portugal and Europe.
Porto looked the better side for most of the game and deservedly took the lead just before half-time when Borja Sainz finished off a well-worked move in the 45th minute.
The Portuguese champions thought they had scored several more goals, but three efforts were ruled out by the officials. Two of the disallowed goals came from Sainz, while another strike from Victor Froholdt was also chalked off.
Porto also came close on two other occasions. Midfielder Alan Varela struck the crossbar, while new signing Gabri Veiga saw his direct free-kick hit the post as Farioli’s side created several chances throughout the match.
Despite Porto’s dominance, Hibernian remained in the contest and found a late equaliser in the 80th minute. German defender Felix Passlack produced an excellent far-post volley to beat the Porto goalkeeper and earn the Scottish side a draw.
Hibernian goalkeeper Sallinger also made two important late saves to deny Porto a winning goal before the final whistle.
Photo by IMAGO
Busy pre-season awaits Porto as Sanusi’s future remains uncertain
The draw was only the first step in Porto’s preparations for the new season, with Farioli now set to increase the intensity of training over the coming weeks.
The squad will travel to St George’s Park National Football Centre in England for a specialised training camp from July 13 to July 18. There the players will continue to work on fitness, tactics and team chemistry ahead of the competitive season.
Porto’s next friendly is scheduled for July 16 against Al-Arabi SC, before they return home for their most anticipated pre-season match against Premier League club Aston Villa at the Estádio do Dragão on July 25.
The Portuguese giants will then officially begin their campaign in early August when they compete for the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, giving Sanusi and co the opportunity to win their first silverware.
The coming weeks could prove even more important for Sanusi off the pitch as they are on it.
The Nigerian international has one year remaining on his current contract, which expires in June 2027. Porto are reportedly eager to avoid losing one of their experienced defenders for free and have made extending his stay a priority by preparing a new two-year contract with improved financial terms.
However, the situation is far from settled. After rejecting a move to the Premier League during the January transfer window, Sanusi continues to attract interest from several clubs across Europe. Serie A side Atalanta and English club Leeds United are among the teams monitoring his situation should negotiations with Porto fail to produce an agreement.
On the field, Sanusi also faces strong competition for the left-back position from Francisco Moura. That makes every pre-season match important as he looks to convince Farioli that he deserves a regular place in Porto’s starting lineup ahead of the new campaign
