Zaidu Sanusi Faces Suspension Risk Ahead of Porto’s Europa League Clash With Nottingham Forest

Posted : 08 April 2026

FC Porto is reportedly concerned over the disciplinary status of Nigerian left-back Zaidu Sanusi ahead of their UEFA Europa League quarter-final first leg. The Portuguese giants are scheduled to host English Premier League side Nottingham Forest at the Estádio do Dragão on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Sanusi is currently walking a disciplinary tightrope, having already accumulated two yellow cards in the competition this season.

Under UEFA regulations, a third yellow card would trigger an automatic one-match suspension for the return leg. This poses a significant tactical dilemma for manager Francesco Farioli as Porto travels to the City Ground on April 16. Sanusi has been a vital component of the Porto defense, appearing in six Europa League matches during the current campaign.

The 28-year-old defender was instrumental in Porto’s successful Round of 16 tie against VfB Stuttgart. In the first leg, Sanusi provided a crucial assist for teenage sensation Rodrigo Mora to help secure a 2-1 victory in Germany. Porto eventually progressed with a 4-1 aggregate scoreline, maintaining a perfect home record of five wins from five matches at the Dragão this season.

Nottingham Forest arrives in Portugal as one of the tournament's surprise packages after eliminating Midtjylland on penalties. The English side relies heavily on explosive wing play and high-intensity pressing, which will test Sanusi's defensive discipline. If the Super Eagles star is cautioned, Porto may have to rely on Jakub Kiwior or other defensive cover for the decisive second leg in England.

Porto currently sits in a strong position domestically, though they recently dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Famalicão. Despite that minor setback, the "Dragons" have won four of their last five matches across all competitions. Sanusi’s experience in European knockout football is considered essential for Porto’s ambition to reach the semi-finals for the first time in years.

The Nigerian international has been with the club since 2020 and remains a reliable option on the left flank. He will need to avoid any mistimed tackles against Forest’s quick attackers to ensure he remains available for the full duration of the tie. Maintaining defensive stability while avoiding the referee’s notebook will be his primary objective during the high-stakes encounter on Thursday night.

Zaidu Sanusi Faces Suspension Risk Ahead of Porto’s Europa League Clash With Nottingham Forest

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