‘Rovers are disappointed’ - Blackburn releases statement following Alebiosu's inclusion in Super Eagles AFCON squad

The 23-year-old defender has received his first senior international invitation from Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle. 

Alebiosu's inclusion comes as Nottingham Forest's Ola Aina remains unavailable, still recovering from a hamstring injury he picked up on international duty in September.

Alebiosu has been a standout performer for Blackburn this season and has started all 19 of the club's Championship matches to date, making his upcoming absence a significant blow.

In a statement on their official website, the club expressed their conflicting feelings about the call-up.

"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."

If Nigeria, one of the perennial tournament contenders, makes a deep run to the final as they did in 2024, Alebiosu could miss up to seven key fixtures for Rovers. 

The matches he would be unavailable for include encounters with Millwall, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday, Wrexham, Charlton Athletic, Hull City, and Ipswich Town.

Before joining the Nigerian squad in Cairo, Alebiosu is expected to play in Blackburn's league match against Portsmouth this Saturday. He is then slated to make his international debut in a friendly against Egypt on December 16.