Super Eagles Star Reflects on His AFCON Debut with Nigeria: “There’s More”

2 months ago 43

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‘There’s more’ – Super Eagles star reflects on his AFCON debut with Nigeria

Super Eagles and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has reflected on the season he had for club and country, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24‑year‑old played 39 of the Rovers' 46 games in the EFL Championship, helping them stay in the second tier of English football while the likes of Leicester City were relegated to Sky Bet League One.

The Arsenal Hale End Academy graduate earned his first call‑up to the Nigerian national team just before the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, making his debut in the final group match against Uganda.

Ryan Alebiosu of Nigeria during the AFCON match between Uganda and the Super Eagles

Ryan Alebiosu reflects on Super Eagles debut

Injury problems suffered by Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick opened the door for Alebiosu, even though Bright Osayi‑Samuel was the first‑choice right‑winger for Eric Chelle in Morocco.

Getting the call‑up amid a turbulent Blackburn Rovers campaign meant a lot to the right‑wing‑back.

“I think it was just a bonus. When I signed, I didn’t think much of getting an international call‑up,” Alebiosu told the Rovers YouTube channel.

“When it happened it felt like a dream come true. It was one of the biggest highlights of my career, playing for my country and getting called up. It really made my season.”

Francis Uzoho, Paul Onuachu, Ryan Alebiosu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Victor Osimhen, Moses Simon, Igoh Ogbu, Samuel Chukwueze, Bruno Onyemaechi and of Nigeria during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Uganda and Nigeria

“The international experience boosted my confidence even more. It made me realize how much I still have to learn and how much more I can contribute,” he added.

“It’s been brilliant for the team, and being called up for Nigeria is an honour.”

“Getting that at 23, midway through last season, gives me more hunger for the next season.”

“There’s still a lot to improve on, but now I have the belief that there’s more to bring to the table,” the Super Eagles defender concluded.

Super Eagles and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu

Surprisingly, Alebiosu was not included in Eric Chelle’s squad for the 2026 Unity Cup or the June friendlies against Portugal and Poland.

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Adefolahan Guerreiro

Sports Writer

Adefolahan is a CAF‑Accredited sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Afrik Foot, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.

With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.

Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross‑cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.