“Exceptional player” – Victor Osimhen praises Blackburn Rovers debutant after Uganda win

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has praised Super Eagles debutant Ryan Alebiosu following Nigeria’s 3–1 victory over Uganda at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng exclusively reports.

The Galatasaray star, speaking further, also wished the defender a speedy recovery from injury after picking up a knock during his first AFCON game for Nigeria.

Alebiosu, who earned his first senior national team appearance in the Group C clash at the Complexe Sportif de Fès, impressed before suffering a knock in the first half.

Despite the setback, the full-back showed resilience by continuing to play through the pain before eventually being attended to by the medical team.

Alebiosu: What has Victor Osimhen said?

Speaking after the match, Osimhen spoke highly of Alebiosu’s quality, noting the positive impact he has made since joining the national team.

“He has been doing amazingly well even before joining the Super Eagles. In training, he showed that he is an exceptional player,” the Nigerian striker told Soccernet.ng.

Osimhen also commended Alebiosu’s commitment and fighting spirit, pointing out that the youngster’s determination embodied the attitude within the squad.

“I want to wish him a quick recovery because he picked up a bad injury in the first half. He kept playing despite the pain, and I wish him all the best,” he added.

Nigeria went on to seal a comfortable 3–1 win, finishing the group stage with a perfect record and booking a place in the Round of 16.

 

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As attention now turns to the knockout phase, Nigerian football fans await positive news on Alebiosu’s injury and remain eager to know their next-round opponent.