Super Eagles: How Ryan Alebiosu is turning into a Dani Alves-style right-back

Super Eagles star Ryan Alebiosu is starting to look like the kind of right-back who can do more than defend, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Blackburn Rovers defender made one of his most important contributions of the new Championship season on Saturday. In a 2-1 win over Middlesbrough at Ewood Park, Alebiosu raced into the attacking area and helped create Blackburn’s winning goal.

That style brings back memories of Dani Alves, the former Barcelona and Brazil right-back who turned attacking runs from defence into a major weapon. Alves was not simply a defender who moved forward when there was space. He often operated like an extra winger, giving his team another passing option on the right.

Alebiosu is nowhere near Alves’ level yet. But the former Kilmarnock star’s recent displays suggest he is learning how valuable an attacking right-back can be.

Alebiosu is becoming a bigger threat

The evidence is already there. Against Middlesbrough, Blackburn were trailing 1-0 after Jeremy Sarmiento scored in the 12th minute. But Alebiosu could have handed Blackburn the lead moments earlier after showing why his attacking instincts matter.

Andri Gudjohnsen flicked the ball into space and sent the Nigeria international clear. The Nigerian reached the area, but Middlesbrough goalkeeper Radek Vitek blocked his attempt with an outstretched leg. That was not the end of his attacking involvement.

Blackburn equalised through Gudjohnsen in the 49th minute. Six minutes later, Vitek saved another Blackburn attack, but the rebound fell to Alebiosu on the right. He delivered a dangerous cross into the box and Todd Cantwell finished with a diving header to make it 2-1.

Alebiosu completed 90 minutes in the win. His performance followed another full game against Wolves at Molineux on August 14, when Blackburn drew 2-2.

That match was even more dramatic. Blackburn led 2-1 until stoppage time, when a cross struck Alebiosu’s arm. Referee Farai Hallam awarded a penalty, and Raúl Jiménez converted it to rescue a point for Wolves. Still, the Super Eagles right-back was named Player of the Match.

The penalty was frustrating, but the wider performance was significant. Alebiosu had played 90 minutes against a Wolves side recently relegated from the Premier League. He then started and completed another 90 minutes against Middlesbrough. Those are useful tests for a player trying to move to a higher level.

What it could mean for Nigeria

Alebiosu’s club progress also gives Nigeria another tactical option. The 24-year-old was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and made his Super Eagles debut in the 3-1 group-stage win over Uganda on December 30. He played all 90 minutes before a deep cut to his right leg ruled him out of the next games.

His Championship numbers also show why he has earned serious attention. In 2025-26, the former Crewe Alexandra defender played 29 Championship matches, with 2,360 minutes, one goal and two assists.

Nigeria already have attacking talent in wide areas, including Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel. An adventurous right-back can add another layer.

If Alebiosu pushes high while a winger moves inside, Nigeria can create a two-player threat on the right. He can also provide width when the winger comes into midfield or moves closer to Victor Osimhen.

That is the Alves blueprint in its simplest form, which is to make the full-back another attacking player without forgetting his defensive job.

Alebiosu has started that process at Blackburn. His next challenge is to prove that the same courage, running and delivery can survive against stronger international opponents.