From injury setbacks and racist abuse to becoming league champions in Portugal.
That was the story of Nigerian stars Terem Moffi and Zaidu Sanusi on Saturday after both players helped FC Porto secure the 2025/26 Liga Portugal title with a hard fought 1-0 victory over Alverca at the Estádio do Dragao.
The victory sealed Porto’s 31st league crown with two matches still remaining and ended the club’s four-year wait for the Portuguese title.
But beyond the celebrations, medals and title party, the triumph represented something far deeper for both Nigerian internationals.
FC Porto stars: Zaidu Sanusi and Terem Moffi. Photocredit imago
Just months ago, both players were battling uncertain futures. For Moffi, the road to becoming a league champion had turned dark during his final months at OGC Nice.
Following a defeat to FC Lorient in November 2025, furious supporters reportedly stormed Nice’s training ground, confronting players after a poor run of results.
Reports in France claimed Moffi and teammate Jérémie Boga were physically confronted, while the Nigerian striker was also subjected to racist abuse.
The situation worsened after Moffi was seen laughing with officials from his former club Lorient, a moment that triggered further backlash from sections of supporters.
Struggling mentally and physically after recovering from a serious knee injury, the striker was eventually placed on medical and psychological leave. He later pushed for an exit from the club after reportedly feeling unsafe.
Super Eagles striker Terem Moffi. Photocredit: Imago
At that stage, few imagined he would end the season as a league champion but a January loan move to Porto changed everything.
Reuniting with coach Francesco Farioli helped restore confidence in the Nigerian forward, who gradually became an important squad option during Porto’s title charge.
Although he started only a handful of matches, Moffi still contributed with a goal and an assist in nine league appearances while also scoring in Europe against VfB Stuttgart.
For the 26-year-old, Saturday’s title triumph marked the first major trophy of his professional career.
Super Eagles defender Zaidu Sanusi. Photocredit: Imago
Meanwhile, Sanusi’s journey was equally emotional.
The Nigerian left back had spent much of the previous year fighting to save his Porto career after suffering a devastating ACL injury in February 2024.
The injury sidelined him for months and left serious doubts over his future at the club. By the summer of 2025, Porto were reportedly open to selling him after he managed only 102 minutes during the previous campaign.
Interest arrived from clubs in England and Spain, and many believed his time in Portugal was coming to an end.
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Under Farioli, the defender gradually rebuilt his fitness, regained confidence and worked his way back into the team. His performances improved significantly after the Africa Cup of Nations, and he eventually reclaimed his starting role.
He featured in 17 league matches this season, contributing one goal and one assist while producing several strong displays whenever called upon.
Against Alverca, Sanusi completed the full 90 minutes as Porto protected their narrow lead to officially clinch the title.
Zaidu Sanusi celebrates winning Liga Portugal title with Porto. Photocredit: Imago
The triumph also saw him become the first Nigerian player to win two Liga Portugal titles with Porto after previously lifting the trophy during the 2021/22 campaign.
Porto’s title winning season is interesting, the Dragons have won 27 of their 32 league matches so far and suffered only one defeat throughout the campaign, reclaiming the title from Sporting CP.
The success also completed a dream debut season for Farioli, whose tactical discipline and squad management transformed Porto back into champions.
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This title will mean more than medals and statistics for Moffi and Sanusi though. months after uncertainty threatened both careers, the two Super Eagles stars are now champions of Portugal. It is proof of recovery and redemption.
