Ryan Alebiosu: 4 facts about new star who is set to challenge Ola Aina for starting shirt in AFCON 2025

The Super Eagles‘ 55-man provisional list for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was released on Tuesday afternoon.

There are many new names on the list. But per reports, it is expected to be trimmed down to 28 in the coming days.

One of the new and unknown names on the list is Blackburn Rovers right-back Ryan Alebiosu. He just moved to Blackburn, and he has been doing well in the Championship.

The hype around him started just a few months ago due to his impressive performances for his club. And now, with Ola Aina still fighting to return from his hamstring injury and Benjamin Fredrick sidelined in the long run, Alebiosu is set to get his chance with the Super Eagles at the 2025 AFCON.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle announces his Africa Cup of Nations preliminary squad. pic.twitter.com/Y5WNgVIQ4b

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) December 2, 2025

In this piece, Soccernet.ng highlights five interesting facts about the 23-year-old defender.

1. Ryan Alebiosu Played For Arsenal

Ryan Alebiosu in action during the Papa John Trophy third round match for Arsenal at the Emirates Copyright: imagoxKieranxCleeve

Ryan Alebiosu played for Arsenal at youth level. He joined Hale End in 2018 and grew through the ranks at Arsenal. He played for them across all levels, aside from the senior team.

He trained with the team multiple times, but had to leave after he was informed that he was surplus to requirements.

2. Alebiosu Can Play For England and Nigeria

Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, Andri GuÃjohnsen, Taylor Gardner-Hickman 5 walk out during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Wrexham FC and Blackburn Rovers — Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu, Andri GuÃjohnsen Taylor Gardner-Hickman 5 walk out during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Wrexham FC and Blackburn Rovers. Copyright: ImagoxCraigxGalloway

Alebiosu Can represent Nigeria and England at youth level because he was born in London to Nigerian parents.

However, he has not represented England at any level at any point in his career. If he plays for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the AFCON, he will not be able to play for England.

3. Alebiosu Has Played Football In Three Countries

All his life, Alebiosu has only played for clubs in either England, Scotland, or Belgium. Aside from Arsenal, he has played for Crewe Alexander, Kilmarnock, KV Kortrijk, St. Mirren, and now Blackburn Rovers.

Perhaps, if he continues to perform, he will get a bigger club in the coming years.

4. Ryan Alebiosu Can Play In Two Positions

Ryan Alebiosu battles for possession with Neto Borges during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Bristol City and Blackburn Rove, Copyright: ImagoxGrahamxHuntx

Although Ryan Alebiosu is originally a right-back, he can also play as a right midfielder. That is something that could be useful for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle.

He is very quick and technically gifted, and that makes him play both positions very well.

Alebiosu will be hoping to make the final Super Eagles squad for the 2025 AFCON by the time the list is released. And if Aina is not back by then, he will likely be the man at right back back Nigeria.

Source: Soccernet