Nigeria: Porto’s Sanusi joins elite one-club class dominated by Ndidi, Iheanacho for Leicester City

Nigeria's Zaidu Sanusi reached an important moment in his career on Thursday night after the left-back made his 150th appearance for FC Porto during a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, Soccernet.ng reports.

That landmark places him among a small group of Nigerian players who have stayed long enough at one European club to build a real legacy.

Sanusi’s journey has not been easy. He spent a long time out with a serious knee injury, but fought his way back into the team. Now, he is once again a regular in Porto’s defence, offering pace, energy and discipline on the left side. One of his most famous moments remains his late winning goal against Benfica, which helped Porto win the league title in the 2021/22 season.

Sanusi, with his latest appearance, climbs into the top ten class of active Super Eagles stars in Europe with 150 games for one club.

Nigeria's current one-club men in Europe

Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City – 303 appearances)

A cornerstone of the midfield, Ndidi was pivotal in Leicester City winning the 2021 FA Cup, the 2021/22 Community Shield, and the 2023/24 Championship title. He consistently led the Premier League in tackles and interceptions, providing essential defensive cover that allowed more attack-minded teammates to flourish.

Ndidi finally left Leicester City in the summer of 2025 to join Turkish giants Besiktas.

Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City – 232 apps)

Known for his “clutch” performances, Iheanacho was instrumental in the club's 2020–21 FA Cup victory, finishing as the competition's joint-high scorer. He also scored the winning goal in the 2021 Community Shield against his former club, Manchester City.

Samuel Chukwueze (Villarreal – 207 apps)

He established himself as one of La Liga’s most exciting wingers and played a vital role in Villarreal's 2021 UEFA Europa League triumph. He was named the La Liga African MVP for the 2022/23 season after recording 37 goals and 31 assists during his tenure.

Moses Simon (Nantes – 201 apps)

A model of consistency, Simon helped Nantes win the 2021/22 Coupe de France. He set a club record as the first Nigerian to reach double-digit assists in a single Ligue 1 season and recorded 56 direct goal involvements in his first 150 appearances.

Paul Onuachu (FC Midtjylland – 181 apps)

A prolific target man, Onuachu helped Midtjylland win the Danish Superliga twice (2015 and 2018). He is famously remembered for scoring the winning goal against Manchester United in the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League.

Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahçe – 178 apps)

Osayi-Samuel successfully transitioned from a winger to a highly effective wingback, providing vital tactical flexibility. He was a key part of the squad that won the 2022/23 Turkish Cup.

Semi Ajayi (West Brom – 177 apps)

A reliable defensive mainstay who was critical in the Baggies earning promotion to the Premier League in 2020. He has been a consistent starter, known for his aerial dominance and ability to score crucial goals from set-pieces.

Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge – 175 apps)

Quickly became a vital engine in the midfield, helping Club Brugge win the 2023/24 Belgian Pro League. His high passing accuracy and defensive work rate have made him a regular in both domestic and Champions League fixtures.

Onyedika is the only man on this list, aside Sanusi, still at the club where he hit the landmark.

Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow – 167 apps)

A true club legend, Musa won three Russian Premier League titles, one Russian Cup, and two Russian Super Cups. He remains one of the top scorers in the club's history with 61 goals and 33 assists across two spells.

Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto – 150 apps)

A consistent presence at left-back, Sanusi famously scored the 94th-minute winning goal against Benfica to secure the 2021/22 Primeira Liga title for Porto. He has also won the Taça de Portugal and the Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira.