Ryan Alebiosu says his invitation to the Nigeria national football team boosted his confidence during a challenging season with Blackburn Rovers F.C. in the Championship.
The defender earned his maiden national team call-up ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and made his debut against Uganda in Nigeria’s final group-stage match. However, a foot injury limited his involvement in the tournament to just one appearance.
Alebiosu featured in 39 of Blackburn’s 46 Championship matches as the club battled to avoid relegation, eventually finishing 20th on the table, five points above the drop zone.
Despite the difficult campaign, the 24-year-old described his Nigeria call-up as one of the proudest moments of his career.
“When it happened, it was like a dream come true,” Alebiosu said. “Playing for my country and getting called up really made my season.”
The defender added that he had not expected an international invitation when he joined Blackburn, making the experience even more special and motivating for his future career.
