Former Arsenal academy player and current Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu affirmed his decision to commit his international future to the Super Eagles of Nigeria over England. Alebiosu, born in England to Nigerian parents, always maintained eligibility to represent either the Super Eagles or the Three Lions on the international stage.
The 23-year-old right-back received his first senior international call-up for the Nigerian national team, joining the squad in preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament kicking off this weekend in Morocco.
Super Eagles Head Coach Eric Chelle included Alebiosu in his final 28-man squad after injuries sidelined key defensive options, specifically Ola Aina of Nottingham Forest and Brentford loanee Benjamin Fredrick, creating an opening in the right-back position.
Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire, Alebiosu enthusiastically detailed his motivation for choosing Nigeria:
“I am obviously excited, playing for my nation for the first time is obviously a pleasure,” Alebiosu said. “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.”
Alebiosu joins a growing list of England-born players choosing to represent the Super Eagles. His strong form for Blackburn Rovers in the Championship, where he quickly established himself as a regular starter, proved instrumental in securing this late call-up for the AFCON tournament.
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