The 24 year old right-back was forced off in the 41st minute against Stoke City last Tuesday, and a scan has confirmed he needs an operation, though he was not in Eric Chelle’s squad for the Tanzania double-header.
Want our football coverage to show up first?
Add FootballInNigeria as a preferred source and our stories get a "Preferred" badge in your Google Top Stories, AI Overviews, and AI Mode results.
Super Eagles defender Ryan Alebiosu faces at least three to four months out of action after a serious knee injury, according to his club Blackburn Rovers. Head coach Tony Mowbray confirmed that the right back needs surgery.
Alebiosu was hurt during Blackburn’s Championship game against Stoke City at Ewood Park on Tuesday, November 3, and had to leave the pitch in the 41st minute. He underwent a scan on Wednesday, and the results showed that an operation is required.
Mowbray gave the update after Blackburn’s 2-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday, November 7. He admitted the news was bad for the player and said it looked like an operation that would keep him out for “three or four months, maybe a touch longer.”
The manager also spoke warmly about what the defender brings to the team. He described Alebiosu as a real positive, praising his attacking threat from right-back and the athleticism he offers.
Blackburn will feel the loss despite their win over West Ham. Alebiosu has been an important option on the right side of their defence since he arrived from Belgian club Kortrijk in July 2025 on a three-year contract, for a reported fee of around €576,000.
Fans who follow Nigerian players in England can read about how to get a Bet9ja promotion code quickly before the next round of fixtures.
What It Means For The Super Eagles
Alebiosu, 24, was born in London and came through the Arsenal academy before choosing to represent Nigeria. He made his Super Eagles debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Nigeria finished third.
He was not named in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the Tanzania double-header, which is scheduled for Friday, November 13, in Uyo and Tuesday, November 17, in Dar es Salaam. The squad does include Ola Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel, who can both cover the right side of defence.
The injury is a concern for Nigeria’s longer-term plans, because Alebiosu had been developing into a reliable option. Readers who like to follow the squad can look at Bet9ja’s YOHAIG Championship bonus as the qualifiers approach.
A Blow For Blackburn
Last season, Alebiosu featured in 36 games for Blackburn, scoring once and providing four assists. His running from full back has been a feature of Blackburn’s attacking play, and replacing that quality will not be easy.
The setback is also a worrying one for the player himself. Last month, Alebiosu spoke publicly about a long knee injury problem earlier in his career, so supporters will hope that this time the surgery and recovery go smoothly.
For now, his focus will be on the operation and the rehabilitation that follows. Anyone following the Super Eagles can check the Bet9ja promotion for Super Eagles followers while they wait for news of his return date.
Both the club and the national team will want him back at his best. A careful recovery is the priority, and his return will be a welcome boost whenever it comes.
📌 Did You Know?
- Alebiosu was born in London on December 17, 2001, and came through the Arsenal academy.
- Blackburn signed him from Kortrijk in July 2025, and his contract runs until June 2028.
- He played 36 games for Blackburn last season, scoring once and providing four assists.
- Nigeria finished third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where Alebiosu made his debut.
- Alebiosu has previously spoken about a long knee injury layoff earlier in his career.
