Super Eagles full-back Ryan Alebiosu has been handed a significant boost at the Africa Cup of Nations after it was confirmed that his injury is not serious, Soccernet.ng reports.
This latest development has eased concerns for Nigeria ahead of their Round of 16 clash with Mozambique at the tournament being held in Morocco.
The Blackburn Rovers defender, who made his Super Eagles debut in Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda, suffered a deep cut to his right leg during Tuesday night’s 3-1 victory in Morocco.
The incident raised immediate fears that the 24-year-old could be ruled out for the remainder of the tournament.
Alebiosu underwent a scan on Wednesday to assess the extent of the injury, with early reports suggesting he could face up to a month on the sidelines. However, those fears have now been allayed, with confirmation that the right-back is expected to miss only a couple of weeks and will remain with the Nigeria squad throughout AFCON 2025.
Crucially, Alebiosu will not return to his club and remains part of Eric Chelle’s plans as the Super Eagles prepare for the knockout phase.
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Ryan Alebiosu: Debut delight, injury concern
There was plenty to admire in Alebiosu’s first outing in a Nigeria shirt. Born in England to Nigerian parents, Alebiosu was drafted to the Super Eagles squad on the eve of the AFCON following injuries to Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick.
The former Arsenal youngster completed the full 90 minutes against Uganda as the Super Eagles wrapped up a perfect group-stage campaign, winning all three matches with authority. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was one of many to applaud Alebiosu following his display against the Ugandans.
Chelle was also impressed by the defender’s composure and athleticism, even as concern grew over the visible injury sustained during the contest.
“This is his first game in Africa, in AFCON and I’m happy with how he did,” Chelle said after the match on Tuesday. “I’m worried, because he has an injury. His leg is open (cut), but I’m happy with how he played today.”
Club reassurance and AFCON context
Blackburn Rovers manager Valerien Ismael has since provided reassurance, insisting the injury is not a major issue.
“Ryan Alebiosu played 90 minutes for Nigeria with no problem. He has a cut, but it’s nothing major for us,” Ismael said as per Rovers.
Nigeria, who finished Group C with a 100 per cent record, now face Mozambique’s Mambas in the Round of 16 in Fès on Monday. Whether Alebiosu features again at AFCON 2025 remains unclear, but Nigeria will take comfort from the fact that his tournament is not over.