‘There’s more’ – Super Eagles star reflects on his AFCON debut with Nigeria

Super Eagles and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has reflected on the season he had for club and country, Afrik Foot reports.

The 24-year-old played 39 of the Rovers 46 games in the EFL Championship, helping them remain in the second-tier of English football while the likes of Leicester City went down to Sky Bet League One.

The Arsenal Hale End Academy Graduate got a maiden call-up to the Nigerian team just before the AFCON 2025 tournament in Morocco, making his debut in the final group game against Uganda.

Ryan Alebiosu reflects on Super Eagles debut

Injury problems suffered by Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick paved the way for Alebiosu’s entry, although Bright Osayi-Samuel was first-choice for Eric Chelle in Morocco.

Still, getting the call-up in the middle of a turbulent Blackburn Rovers campaign meant a lot to the right wing-back.

“I think it was just a bonus. When I signed, I didn’t think much of getting 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 boost 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 them getting called up for Nigeria, it’s a 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,” the Super Eagles defender concluded.

Surprisingly, Ryan Alebiosu wasn’t included in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad for the 2026 Unity Cup and the June friendlies against Portugal and Poland.