Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has provided a timely boost for the Super Eagles after revealing that Ryan Alebiosu’s early withdrawal against Millwall was caused by illness rather than a fresh injury, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian defender was replaced at half-time by deadline-day signing Gady Beyuku during Blackburn’s Championship clash with Millwall at Ewood Park on Saturday.
Alebiosu had once again impressed during the opening 45 minutes, making his substitution initially appear to be another injury concern for Nigeria ahead of the upcoming international break.
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However, Mowbray has now clarified that the 24-year-old was struggling with an illness he had already complained about earlier in the week.
“Ryan is more illness than injury,” Mowbray said, per quotes revealed by the Lancashire Telegraph.
“The defender had complained about the issue earlier in the week, which could be tonsillitis.”
The Blackburn boss added that the physical demands of playing several matches in a short period may have taken their toll on the Super Eagles defender.
“It’s the physicality of the games over the last week that have caught him out,” he added.
The update should come as a relief to Nigeria, with Alebiosu recently emerging as one of the Super Eagles’ more important options at right-back under Eric Chelle.
The defender has been a regular for Blackburn and his availability could prove valuable as the Super Eagles prepare for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
Nigeria will face Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to take on Guinea-Bissau four days later.
With several players already dealing with injury concerns, including Victor Osimhen and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Chelle will hope Alebiosu can recover from his illness in time to join the Super Eagles squad.
