Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has expressed his delight after receiving his first-ever call-up to the Super Eagles squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Alebiosu was named in Eric Chelle’s final 28-man squad for the tournament and admitted the invitation came as a surprise after he was initially included in the enlarged provisional list. Still, the opportunity to represent Nigeria on Africa’s biggest stage was one he had no hesitation in embracing.
What Ryan Alebiosu said
“It’s a pleasure. Very much delighted, can’t wait to get started and help my nation reach big things,” Alebiosu told BBC Sport.
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“My family are delighted. As soon as I got the news, I’ve never seen them so happy. Great feeling.
“Nigeria came calling and it’s something I didn’t want to miss. It’s a big opportunity, especially at 23 years of age.”
Alebiosu, who comes into the Super Eagles setup as a direct replacement for injured Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina, could potentially miss up to seven weeks of club action, depending on how far Nigeria go in this year’s edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 23-year-old’s departure for international duty obviously comes as a major blow for Blackburn Rovers as he’s established himself as one of Valerien Ismael’s most trusted soldiers since joining the Lancashire club from Kortrijk in the summer.
Alebiosu, who famously graduated from Arsenal’s prestigious Hale End Academy, now has the chance to stake his claim in the Super Eagles setup as Nigeria go in search of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown in Morocco.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles are preparing to test themselves against the Pharaohs of Egypt in a friendly game before the AFCON and Alebiosu may well get his first taste of what’s to come when the curtains go up in Morocco.
