Blackburn Rovers have admitted they’re “disappointed” but “proud” after Ryan Alebiosu’s call-up to the Nigeria squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Former Arsenal academy youngster Ryan Alebiosu is in line to make his international debut for Nigeria, having received a call-up to their final squad for the Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off later this month.
It’s somewhat of a surprise to see Alebiosu involved in the squad for a major tournament, given he’s never played for Nigeria before. But with Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina still absent through injury, the squad needed someone comfortable at right-back.
Alebiosu is having a strong season with Championship Blackburn Rovers, to the extent that the club admitted they’re disappointed to lose him for the upcoming tournament.
Rovers’ statement read: “Whilst Rovers are disappointed to be losing a key player at such a crucial stage in the season, the club are proud of Ryan’s progress since he completed a summer switch to Ewood Park, which has seen him earn international recognition for the first time in his career.”
Alebiosu has started every one of Rovers’ 20 Championship fixtures so far this season, including the one against Sheffield Wednesday that was recently called off midway through.
The club confirm Alebiosu will remain available for this weekend’s fixture against Arsenal’s upcoming FA Cup opponents Portsmouth, but he’ll then link up with Nigeria.
Nigeria play their first AFCON fixture against Tanzania on December 23rd, before facing Tunisia on December 27th and Uganda on December 30th.
If the team continue to progress, Alebiosu could be unavailable all the way until January 18th, the date of the final. That would mean an absence of 7-8 club games, so it’s understandable that Rovers would be rueing their loss as they sit just five points clear of the relegation zone.
But for former Arsenal youngster Alebiosu, this is a big step in his career. To receive an international call-up is one thing, to be called up for a major tournament is another, and he’ll now hope to make his debut over the coming weeks.