The Super Eagles have received a significant fitness boost with the return of Ryan Alebiosu to full training ahead of their highly anticipated quarter-final clash against the Desert Foxes of Algeria. The 24-year-old Blackburn Rovers defender rejoined his teammates for a full-intensity session in Marrakesh on Thursday evening, shortly after the squad arrived from their previous base in Fes. Alebiosu’s return provides head coach Éric Chelle with vital tactical flexibility as the team prepares for its toughest defensive test of the tournament so far at the Grand Stade de Marrakech this Saturday.
The versatile full-back had been sidelined since sustaining a deep laceration on his right leg during Nigeria’s final Group C fixture against the Cranes of Uganda in late December. That injury forced the former Arsenal academy graduate to watch from the sidelines as the Super Eagles dismantled the Mambas of Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16. While initial fears suggested the defender might miss the remainder of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, his rapid recovery allowed him to participate in the team’s first training session on Marrakesh soil.
Technical staff have scheduled a final high-intensity drill for tonight, where Alebiosu will continue to build his match fitness and sharpness. His availability comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, as the team looks to maintain its unbeaten streak and secure a place in the semi-finals. Algeria, the 2019 champions, enter the match boasting one of the tournament’s most disciplined defensive units, having conceded only one goal across four matches, setting the stage for a classic continental rivalry.
The Super Eagles officially relocated to Marrakesh on Thursday in compliance with the new CAF tournament regulations, which assign specific knockout venues to participating teams. With the strike force of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman already in peak form, the reintegration of Alebiosu into the defensive line strengthens a Nigerian side that has already scored a tournament-high 12 goals. Fans expect a sell-out crowd at the 45,000-capacity stadium as two of Africa’s footballing giants vie for a spot in the final four.
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