In a significant boost for Nigerian football, former Arsenal academy graduate Ryan Alebiosu has officially committed his international future to the Super Eagles and is set for his debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
A Dream Realised for the Blackburn Rovers Defender
Ryan Alebiosu, the 23-year-old Blackburn Rovers defender, has described his first call-up to the Nigerian national team as a "dream moment." Born in England to Nigerian parents, Alebiosu was eligible to represent the Three Lions but felt a powerful pull towards the green and white of Nigeria when the opportunity presented itself.
The invitation came as part of head coach Eric Chelle's final 28-man squad for the continental tournament. Alebiosu admitted to the BBC that the call-up was a surprise, as his focus at the start of the season was solely on establishing himself at club level with Blackburn Rovers.
How Injuries Paved the Path to the Super Eagles
Alebiosu's inclusion was facilitated by unfortunate injuries to key defenders in the Nigerian setup. Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina and Brentford loanee Benjamin Fredrick were ruled out, forcing Coach Chelle to seek defensive reinforcements.
The timing was perfect for Alebiosu, whose impressive form for Blackburn Rovers had already made him a standout performer. His consistency, which earned him the club's Player of the Month award for September, caught the eye of the Super Eagles' technical crew at the ideal moment.
Why Nigeria Was the Only Choice
Despite being London-born, Alebiosu emphasized that Nigeria has always been a core part of his identity. He revealed that when the Super Eagles came calling, it was an opportunity he "simply could not turn down."
"Playing for my nation for the first time is a pleasure," Alebiosu told Yahoo Sport. "Nigeria and England have always been a big part of me, but when Nigeria came calling, it was something I didn’t want to miss. It’s a big opportunity, especially at 23. It’s special."
The defender also shared the emotional reaction of his family, stating he had never seen them so happy and proud, which further validated his decision to represent Nigeria.
Ready for the AFCON Challenge in Morocco
The 2025 AFCON in Morocco will mark Alebiosu's first major international tournament. Nigeria finds itself in Group C alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania, a grouping considered favourable for the three-time champions.
The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the 2023 edition, are aiming to lift the trophy for a fourth time, having previously triumphed in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Alebiosu's addition provides fresh defensive options as the team pursues this goal.
Earlier, logistical hurdles regarding his Nigerian passport were successfully resolved by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), clearing the final administrative path for his participation. Alebiosu now looks forward to spending the festive period competing on Africa's biggest football stage, a prospect he finds both exciting and motivating.
