Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu has revealed that he wasn’t expecting a call up to the senior national team of Nigeria for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Alebiosu earned his spot in the Nigerian team on the strength of his performance for English Championship side Blackburn Rovers, where he has played in all of their games since joining them in summer on a free transfer from Belgium side Kortrijk.
He was named in the preliminary list of players for the tournament, and was also in the final list of 28 picked by head coach Eric Chelle when it was made public by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
“No. I didn’t even think of international football. My main focus was obviously on club football, getting myself out there and showing what I can do”, he said when he was asked if he thought about playing international football when he joined Rovers in the summer.
“To be honest I was shocked. Obviously I was hoping, just playing my game, just focusing on here and whatever happens happens. When I got the call to the final squad I was delighted.”
He further said it will be totally different for him, moving from playing in the English Championship to rubbing shoulders with the best in Africa in a prestigious tournament like the AFCON.
“100 percent. It’s obviously the first time I’ve ever been called up to play international and to play in a big tournament. It’s a pleasure, giving my all, represent Blackburn well and then come back and do what we’re doing”, he stated.
