The Blackburn Rovers right-back says doctors struggled to explain the pain in both knees when he was a teenager at Arsenal.
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.
A frightening start
Super Eagles defender Ryan Alebiosu has opened up about a grueling period in his teenage years when a mysterious knee condition sidelined him for nearly two years. The Blackburn Rovers right back admitted the experience was deeply distressing. FootballInNigeria.com.ng reports that the problem affected both knees when he was about 15.
Alebiosu told the Lancashire Telegraph that doctors struggled to find the cause. “I couldn’t run. I couldn’t walk,” the 24 year old said. He added that watching team-mates progress made the wait harder.
Fans following Nigerian players in the Championship can look at Bet9ja’s YOHAIG sign-up code before the next round.
What the doctors said
Specialists classified the problem as non-specific knee pain, which meant they could not identify the root of the discomfort in either leg. Alebiosu said the medical team did not know whether he would need surgery.
With no clear answers, he could only wait and hope the pain would settle. He said he was always hoping for the best and kept telling himself it was nothing more serious.
The uncertainty was exhausting for a young player trying to break into the game. Supporters interested in the Super Eagles’ rising defenders can read Bet9ja’s bonus code introduction before the weekend.
From Arsenal to Blackburn
Alebiosu was born in London and spent more than a decade at Arsenal’s academy, signing his first professional contract in 2020. His first taste of senior football came on loan at Crewe Alexandra.
He left Arsenal for Kortrijk in Belgium in 2023, with a loan spell at St Mirren along the way. Blackburn signed him in July 2025 on a three year deal, and he has made more than 50 appearances for the club.
Readers curious about bonuses can read the Bet9ja bonus code walkthrough before the weekend.
A Super Eagles breakthrough
Alebiosu switched allegiance from England to Nigeria and made his senior debut against Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. He played all 90 minutes in a 3-1 win and suffered a deep cut to his right foot, according to ESPN.
Nigeria finished third at that tournament, and Alebiosu has described the call up as a dream come true. He finished the 2025/26 Championship season with 39 league appearances, one goal and five assists, according to Panafrica Football.
Can he now push for a regular place in Eric Chelle’s team? His story shows the value of patience.
📌 Did You Know?
- His full name is Ryan Fiyinfoluwa Alebiosu, and he was born on December 17, 2001.
- His first Blackburn goal came against Southampton on October 26, 2025.
- Blackburn publicly voiced disappointment when he was called up for AFCON 2025.
- Everton, Wolfsburg, Sassuolo and Genoa were reported to be monitoring him ahead of the January window.
- Blackburn were reported to want around £4 million for him.
