Super Eagles and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has revealed that receiving a maiden call-up to the Nigeria senior national team midway through last season ranks as one of the biggest highlights of his career, Footynaija.com reports.
Alebiosu received a first senior international call-up late in December 2025, making Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations after Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick’s injuries created a vacuum on the right side of defense.
The 24-year-old full-back went on to make his debut in Nigeria’s third group game against Morocco before a minor injury setback ruled him out for the remainder of the tournament as Chelle’s men went on to finish in third place.
Related Post
Reflecting on the opportunity, Alebiosu admitted that he didn’t anticipate making such fast-paced progress at the time he was joining Blackburn Rovers.
Ryan Alebiosu honoured to represent Super Eagles
“I think it was just a bonus. When I signed, I didn’t think much of getting an international call-up,” Alebiosu said in an interview with Rovers YouTube channel.
“When it does happen it was like a dream come true. For that to happen, it was one of the biggest highlights of my career, playing for my country and getting called up. It really made my season as well.
“When the international stuff happened, it just boosted my confidence even more, it made me realize there’s a lot that could have been done and a lot has happened but I am just grateful. It’s been brilliant as a team and then getting called up for Nigeria, it’s an honour.
“Getting that at the age of 23, which was the half of last season I got the call-up, it just gives me more hunger for the next season. There’s still a lot to improve on but now just give me that belief that there’s more to bring to the table.”
Despite playing 39 games out of a possible 46 for Blackburn Rovers in the EFL Championship and helping them avoid relegation to the third tier of English football, Alebiosu was a surprise omission from Chelle’s latest squad announcement ahead of the Unity Cup and upcoming international friendlies.
