Ola Aina replacement: Super Eagles boost as ex-Arsenal star cleared to play at 2025 AFCON

The Super Eagles have received a significant boost on the eve of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu was cleared to represent Nigeria in Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

Eric Chelle’s squad has looked dangerously thin in defence in recent weeks, particularly at right-back, where a combination of injuries and uncertainty threatened to leave Nigeria exposed heading into a tournament where they are expected to chase a fourth continental crown.

The tension deepened as questions mounted around the availability of key personnel.

There are unconfirmed suggestions that captain William Troost-Ekong, long a pillar of the backline, has decided to call time on his international career. Though yet to be officially confirmed, the mere possibility has unsettled planning around the heart of defence.

But it is at right-back that Chelle’s concerns have been most acute.

Ola Aina, Nigeria’s undisputed first-choice in the role, suffered an injury on international duty that required surgery. He has not played since, and latest assessments rule him out of competitive football until early 2026, effectively ending all hopes of featuring at the AFCON, which kicks off on December 21.

That left Bright Osayi-Samuel as the main option, and while the Birmingham City man has impressed in bursts, Chelle has been searching for a more balanced, athletic and defensively polished alternative.

Brentford teenager Benjamin Fredrick, used repeatedly in recent matches ahead of Osayi-Samuel, provided a tactical safety net despite being a natural centre-back. His injury while on loan at Dender FC, which has also ruled him out of the AFCON, left the Super Eagles short of cover once more.

Get Our Sports News First – Join Our WhatsApp Channel Now!

Super Eagles: Alebiosu arrives as ideal solution

With choices rapidly thinning, Nigeria’s coaching crew accelerated their search, and Alebiosu’s availability has arrived as a major relief.

Local reports confirm the 23-year-old has been cleared to represent Nigeria at the AFCON, giving Chelle a dynamic, modern full-back blessed with mobility, defensive discipline and attacking thrust. The coach, according to insiders, has been tracking Alebiosu’s progress closely this season and sees him as a natural response to Aina and Fredrick’s absences.

Born in London to Nigerian parents, Alebiosu never represented England at youth level. He spent 13 formative years at Arsenal, signing his first professional contract in 2020 before gaining senior experience at Crewe Alexandra, Kilmarnock and the Belgian Pro League with Kortrijk. A subsequent loan spell at St Mirren preceded his permanent switch to Blackburn Rovers this summer.

His development has accelerated in the Championship, where he has delivered 18 strong performances so far; including his first Rovers goal, an equaliser in a 2–1 comeback win over Southampton on October 25. His mix of strength, aerial ability, intelligent positioning and fearless forward runs fits the modern full-back mould Nigeria fans admire.

Chelle is expected to include Alebiosu in the 28-man AFCON squad, which will be unveiled in the coming hours. Nigeria have been drawn in Group D alongside Tunisia, Uganda and Tanzania; a competitive group which demands defensive stability and tactical versatility.