Former Nigeria international Garba Lawal has stepped in to defend Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi, who became a target for online critics despite the national team securing a winning start at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Super Eagles Grind Out Opening Victory
The three-time African champions began their AFCON 2025 campaign with a 2-1 victory over the Taifa Stars of Tanzania at the Complexe Sportif de Fes in Morocco on Tuesday night, December 23. Semi Ajayi opened the scoring for Nigeria in the 36th minute, with the assist provided by Alex Iwobi.
Nigeria nearly doubled their lead before halftime, but a crucial save from Tanzania goalkeeper Zuberi Foba kept the scoreline tight. The East African side shocked the Super Eagles camp when Charles M'Mombwa equalised in the 50th minute. The Nigerian response was swift, however, as Ademola Lookman, the 2024 CAF Player of the Year, restored the lead just two minutes later with a left-footed strike, again assisted by Iwobi.
Lawal Questions Unfair Criticism of Sanusi
In the aftermath of the hard-fought win, much of the online discourse focused on the performance of Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi. Former Super Eagles winger Garba Lawal has now publicly questioned the wave of criticism directed at the defender.
Speaking to Footy Africa, the Roda JC legend pointed out that coach Eric Chelle's decision to start Sanusi is a clear sign of trust. "Why are they criticising him? Is he the only player on the pitch, or was he solely at fault for the Tanzania equalizer?" Lawal asked rhetorically.
He emphasised the team nature of football, stating, "I don’t understand why one player is being singled out for criticism when football is a team sport. The boy deserves some respect. He is playing for the nation." Lawal also highlighted Sanusi's consistent commitment to answering national team call-ups.
Mixed Reactions from Nigerian Fans
The online criticism that prompted Lawal's defence has revealed a split in opinion among Super Eagles supporters.
One user, @Leged45, expressed a common frustration with fan criticism but made an exception: "I go out of my way not to disrespect pro footballers... However, Zaidu Sanusi of Super Eagles is not better than me!!"
Others were more analytical. @Ighovics noted, "Have been watching Zaidu Sanusi for years, and that brother has never put in a good cross never." Meanwhile, @oyimzy offered a balanced view: "Zaidu Sanusi can’t do much going forward but you can’t deny the fact that in defense, he brings that composure and experience and can easily be relied on."
Another fan, @web3_Boyy, suggested a tactical reason for his crossing, rating him 7/10.
Looking Ahead to Tunisia Clash
With three points secured, the Super Eagles will now turn their attention to their next Group Stage fixture. According to ESPN, Nigeria's second match at the 2025 AFCON will be against the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia. The performance and selection in defence will remain a key talking point as the team prepares for this crucial encounter.
In other news from the camp, former coach Sunday Oliseh made headlines for commending the work rate of debutant Akor Adams while not highlighting the contributions of stars Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman following the Tanzania match.
