Nigerian defender Ryan Alebiosu has spoken of his excitement at the prospect of representing the country at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, SportPremi reports.
The Blackburn Rovers defender earned a first senior call-up to represent the Nigerian national team with his inclusion in Eric Chelle’s final squad for the tournament.
The 23-year-old was born in England and was eligible to represent the Three Lions team, but obtained a Nigerian passport recently and is set to make his debut on the international scene.
The right-back is an obvious replacement for the injured Ola Aina, who misses out due to fitness concerns and could make his debut against Egypt on Tuesday in a pre-tournament friendly match.
The Super Eagles face-off with the Pharaohs in a preparatory friendly match for the 2025 African Cup of Nations, with both sides eyeing victory to gain momentum heading to the main event.
The match will take place at the Cairo International Stadium on Tuesday night, with kickoff at 19:00 Nigerian time.
Alebiosu eager to make Nigerian debut
Ryan Alebiosu graduated from the Hale End Academy at Arsenal and has enjoyed remarkable rise in recent years, earning a first call-up to represent the Super Eagles.
With the opportunity to play on the continent’s biggest stage, the 23-year-old has expressed excitement at the chance to wear the green and white colors of Nigeria.
“I am obviously excited. Playing for my nation for the first time is obviously a pleasure. I am very much delighted, can’t wait to get started and help my nation reach big things”, the Blackburn Rovers defender admitted.
“To be honest, I was shocked. Obviously I was hoping, just playing my game, just focusing on here and whatever happens happens. When I got the call to the final squad I was delighted.
100 percent. It has always been a big part of me—Nigeria and England, one of them. And obviously Nigeria came calling, it’s something that I didn’t want to miss. It’s a big opportunity, especially at 23 years of age. It’s special”, he continued.
On what the call-up meant to his family
“100 percent. Obviously my family are Nigerians, they were delighted. As soon as I got the news, I’ve never seen them so happy. It’s a great feeling”, Alebiosu concluded.
Alebiosu is in contention to make his first appearance for the Super Eagles later tonight, as he hopes to stake a spot in Eric Chelle’s starting team for the AFCON tournament.
