Injury Ends Alebiosu’s AFCON Campaign After Promising Debut

Injury Ends Alebiosu’s AFCON Campaign After Promising Debut

By Niyi Busari 

Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has been ruled out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after sustaining an injury during Nigeria’s final Group C match against Uganda on Tuesday evening, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Alebiosu, who made his senior debut for the Super Eagles in the group-stage encounter, suffered a deep cut to his right leg and will take no further part in the tournament. Despite featuring for the first time, the 22-year-old impressed with a composed performance and had quickly emerged as a promising option at right wing-back for Nigeria.

His withdrawal comes as a setback for the Super Eagles, with the defender widely tipped as a potential long-term solution in the role following his assured display.

Confirming the development, a team official disclosed that the injury’s severity has forced Alebiosu out of contention for the remainder of the competition. “Debutant Ryan Alebiosu sustained a deep cut on his right leg. There is uncertainty surrounding his availability for the rest of the tournament,” the official said.

The same official also provided an update on striker Cyriel Dessers, who was notably absent from the squad for the dead-rubber clash against Uganda at the Fez Stadium. “Cyriel Dessers has a thigh problem and is scheduled for a scan tomorrow,” the official added.

Nigeria have already secured qualification for the Round of 16 after completing a perfect group-stage campaign, winning all three matches, scoring eight goals, and conceding four.