Ryan Alebiosu has revealed that his maiden invitation to the Nigeria national football team significantly boosted his confidence during a difficult 2025/26 campaign with Blackburn Rovers FC in the EFL Championship.

The 24-year-old defender earned his first Super Eagles call-up ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco and made his international debut in Nigeria’s final group-stage game against Uganda national football team.

Although a foot injury limited his participation to just one appearance during the tournament, Alebiosu described the experience as one of the biggest moments of his career.

Speaking in an interview with Blackburn Rovers’ official YouTube channel, the defender admitted he never expected an international invitation so quickly after joining the club.

“When it did happen, it was like a dream come true. Playing for my country and getting called up really made my season as well,” Alebiosu said.

The Nigerian defender featured in 39 of Blackburn’s 46 Championship matches as the club battled relegation and eventually finished 20th on the table with 52 points, five points above the drop zone.

Despite the team’s struggles, Alebiosu said the Super Eagles invitation gave him renewed belief and motivation.

“When the international stuff happened, it just boosted my confidence even more. It made me realise there’s a lot that could still be done,” he added.

The former youth international also noted that representing Nigeria at the age of 23 has increased his hunger ahead of next season.

“There’s still a lot to improve on, but it now gives me that belief that there’s more to bring to the table.”

Alebiosu contributed one goal and five assists in the Championship last season and was widely praised for his consistency despite Blackburn’s difficult campaign.

However, the defender was surprisingly omitted from Éric Chelle’s squad for the 2026 Unity Cup and upcoming international friendlies against Portugal national football team and Poland national football team.