FC Porto full-back, Zaidu Sanusi couldn’t complete the full 90 minutes in the side’s 3-1 victory over Shakhtar Donetsk in the Group H opener of the Champions League on Tuesday.

Sanusi was substituted at half-time in a surprise decision by Porto manager Sérgio Conceição, but the Manager has now clarified why the player was substituted.

Conceição explained that the left-back suffered a physical discomfort and could not be risked for the second half.

In quotes on Porto’s official website, Conceição said: “João Mário left due to tiredness. Zaidu may have a muscle problem and we thought he shouldn’t be in the second half, but when we arrive in Porto he will be re-evaluated.”

Having already missed out on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against São Tomé and Príncipe, the LB is yet a doubt for Nigeria’s friendly against Saudi Arabia next month.