IKENWA NNABUOGOR reckons Porto new signing Zaidu Sanusi will stake a massive claim to Super Eagles’ left back position and Jamilu Collins ought to be ready for a battle.
Germany-based left back Jamilu Collins must be looking over his shoulders now after the news that FC Porto newest acquisition ‘Rocket Man’ Zaidu Sanusi will be invited to the Super Eagles for next month’s friendlies against Cote d’Ivoire and Tunisia in Austria.
Eagles manager Gernot Rohr became fully convinced the former Santa Clara dashing leftback is worth a call-up after 29-time Portuguese kings Porto handed him a five-year contract recently.
His invitation could turn out to be an interesting headache for Collins who is yet to fully stamp his authority at leftback and earn the fans’ approval and general assurance.
Collins had caught the eye of Rohr when Elderson Echiejile left a huge gap in the role that has struggled to come alive since perhaps the exit of former Chelsea and Newcastle United star Celestine Babayaro.
However, Collins has showed some occasional flashes of good displays at left back, but will have to do a lot more to pin down the position.
But all that could be met with a rude shock with the ‘Rocket Man’ storming on the scene to breathe a new life into a problematic position and earn the approval of many.
The leftback role appears to the Eagles’ missing link at back four lately and the Porto man will be welcome with open arms to try his luck and bring some assurance.
How much of assurance will the ‘Rocket Man’ bring and make it his own?
A lot is expected of him and how well he brings a great campaign at Santa Clara on board.
In truth, the Kebbi-born star is fantastic, not only his supersonic speed down the flanks is sweet to see, his sweet crosses and corner kicks have always found the good connections and win vital games for Santa Clara to ensure their top-flight safety.
Little wonder, his assists stood him out and opened the doors of Porto on account of his delightful cross that ensured their famous 3-2 win against the multiple Portuguese champions last season.
He’s a full licensed entertainer and the skills with which he wheels down the flanks with relative ease will also provide more thrill to the fans.
His quick interchange of passes with team mates and the attendant speed to complement such moves will also excite the fans.
They saw this last during Babayaro’s era.
Defensively, Zaidu is a full time act; tackles timely, marks well and recovers in time to be alive to his defensive duties.
He only received just two yellow cards last season in 24 appearances for Santa Clara, 11 cautions overall since he arrived in Portugal.
Playing for a Champions League club like Porto is also a huge advantage over Collins and how well he transforms his performance will certainly do his Eagles chance a world of good.
Expectedly, the 23-year could bring back the energy and mobility the leftback position used to enjoy when Babayaro and his predecessor Ben Iroha got the fans talking.
Bad news for Collins should Zaidu grab his shirt, but that could also serve as a lift for Paderborn star to take his game to the next level and fight Zaidu to a finish.
The more the merrier, they say, and it will be all good for the Eagles to have two top-class leftbacks in the fold.
Welcome to the Super Eagles, ‘Rocket Man’ Zaidu Sanusi.
