AFCON 2025 debutant and Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu talks about his first Africa Cup of Nations, playing with the Eagles, his injury at the tournament and more in this interview with PETER AKINBO

AFCON 2025 debutant and Blackburn Rovers defender, Ryan Alebiosu talks about his A

How did you feel when you got the call-up to the Super Eagles for the AFCON in Morocco?

When I got the call-up, I was happy, and my family was pleased as well. I couldn’t wait to represent my country. It’s just a progression, and it was a pleasure to get called up.



Did you expect it or was it a surprise?

Well, obviously, they’ve been keeping their eye on me, and they approached me a few weeks before the AFCON to make a decision. At that time, I was focused on the club, and eventually, I had to make a decision, and obviously, it’s my country, and I wanted to represent, and it’s a big tournament. I was nervous about being on the provisional list before making the final team, but I just tried to focus on my club, and I was delighted when I made the final squad.

Was making the choice to represent Nigeria easy?

My family is a big part of it, Nigeria is a big nation in Africa, and it’s a big team. It’s something I’ve always wanted and a team I have always wanted to play for, even years back, so I’m grateful I got the opportunity. It’s the best feeling playing for your country.

How big was the challenge?

It’s a different platform, so it was all about staying consistent as I do in my club football. I had an injury as well, which affected my tournament, but it was a good chance for me to get on the team.

Speaking about your injury, how did that affect you?

It’s a bit frustrating, I wanted to show what I could do at my first AFCON. When it happened, the team came together and helped me a lot, and watching the team win games really boosted my morale. I was out for some weeks. I was glad I was able to return before the end of the tournament, but I couldn’t get more minutes. Hopefully, the next chance I get, I will get more of a chance in the squad. Injuries happen, but next AFCON, I will work harder to get there.

How was the competition for you in general?

The competition is brilliant, and obviously, I have seen from other AFCONs how things have been, so to be a part of this has obviously been a motivation to come back to the next AFCON and actually prove myself next time around. It’s been a joy to come here and obviously be a part of this great team with all my brothers. Obviously, we came in wanting to win the tournament and not making the final was a bit disappointing, but I am happy with the bronze. It’s my first AFCON, my first international medal, and I will cherish it forever. It was good playing with good players, playing with defenders like (Calvin) Bassey was great, I was blessed. Outside of football, it’s wonderful, it was brilliant to be back in the African roots and amazing to enjoy the culture.

How do you see playing in Africa compared to playing abroad?

It’s physical, it’s a lot different. Obviously, European football is physical, but it’s (AFCON’s) a bit more intense, especially. So, it’s good adjusting to it. Obviously, now the tournament’s over, which is a bit annoying for me because I was out, but I have motivation to get to the next AFCON.

How’s the competition for places in such a squad, especially with Ola Aina even missing this tournament?

The competition for places is high. It’s good competition for the players, and it makes everyone want to build better and higher. Bright (Osayi-Samuel) is obviously a wonderful player, and he proved himself at this tournament. We uplift each other, especially when I was fit, and that’s something we’ll keep doing to push each other to get better and better. Good competition is good for the team as well.

What lesson have you taken out of this experience?

I think just obviously push even harder, push harder as a team. I think this experience has been a wonderful experience and has inspired me to work even harder, be even better in my club, to get to the next AFCON and do even more amazing things.

How have you enjoyed your start at your club, Blackburn Rovers, as well?

It’s been a lot, these last few months, especially when I first came. I just believed in the staff. Everyone backed me, and they’ve obviously helped me keep progressing and get to this point, so I am just grateful for everyone in the club for helping me get to where I am and hopefully get beyond.