Super Eagles and Slavia Prague defender Igoh Ogbu has praised Ryan Alebiosu following his international debut in Nigeria's 3-1 victory over Uganda on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
Alebiosu earned his first minutes in a Nigerian shirt on Tuesday as the Super Eagles played their final group stage match of the 2025 AFCON.
Coach Eric Chelle fielded a heavily rotated lineup, as the team had already secured their place as group leaders.
The Blackburn Rovers star, who received his maiden Super Eagles call-up for this tournament, gave a good account of himself.
Alebiosu recorded two interceptions, three clearances, and four recoveries, maintaining an impressive 95 percent pass accuracy.
The 24-year-old was bullish in attack and resolute in defense, as he delivered a solid performance overall.
The only blemish on the night was the goal Nigeria conceded, though it was by no means Alebiosu's fault.
Igoh Ogbu, also earning his first start of the 2025 AFCON at center-back, spoke highly of his teammate after the match. As the older and more experienced head — having made his debut earlier — the former Lyon target had some encouraging words for Alebiosu.
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“I think he had a good game. But there is always work to do more. He is a really good player and I know that he will reach the top heights,” Ogbu told Soccernet.ng.
Asides from Alebiosu, Ogbu also praised Fulham star Calvin Bassey, who paired with him in the first half before he was subbed off at halftime.
“He's (Bassey) an amazing guy, you know. Amazing guy on and off the pitch, he's really good. So he keeps doing great, so I'm really happy for him now.
Ryan Alebiosu: A Problem For Eric Chelle
Ryan Alebiosu played the entire game for Nigeria. But after full time, it was revealed that the Blackburn Rovers man had sustained an injury that could keep him sidelined for the entire fixture.
This is a big miss for coach Eric Chelle, as Alebiosu is a natural right-back and the main cover for Bright Osayi-Samuel. If anything happens to Osayi-Samuel, it would spell trouble for Chelle.
Nonetheless, they will be hoping that they can patch him and get him ready for action as soon as possible.
