Head coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Eric Chelle has picked Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu as his preferred option to replace regular right back Ola Aina, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Alebiosu who was at Arsenal as a youngster caught the attention of the coach with his performances in the English Championship, where he has one goal and an assist this season in 13 games.
Chelle has already spoken with the 23 year old, and he has confirmed his willingness to team up with the Nigerian team despite his eligibility to represent England.
He hasn’t been capped at any level by England, meaning he can play for Nigeria almost immediately he gets a Nigerian passport, per what we exclusively gathered.
The idea is for him to be an understudy to Aina and possibly get his breakthrough at the AFCON in December with Aina feared out of the tournament with an injury. Birmingham City Bright Osayi-Samuel and Benjamin Fredrick of Belgium side FC Dender have played in that role in Aina’s absence.
However Chelle sees Fredrick as a centre back and want him to develop in that position with Calvin Bassey, hence his decision to go for the defender who has the below stats this season.
Alebiosu’s numbers this season:
⚽️ 1 Goal
️ 1 Assist
2.04 Expected Assists
83.8% Pass Accuracy
12 Chances Created
12 Successful Crosses
11 Successful Dribbles
15 Touches in Opposition Box
️ 33 Tackles
54 Duels Won
5 Blocked Shots
38 Recoveries
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
