Ryan Alebiosu has described the bronze medal he won with Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as a memory he will treasure for life.
The Blackburn Rovers defender made his senior international debut during Nigeria’s final Group C fixture against Uganda, a match the Eagles won 3–1. However, that outing turned out to be his onlyappearance at the tournament after an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the competition.
Although the setback cut short his involvement, Alebiosu said the experience has only strengthened his desire to feature at future AFCON tournaments.
“The competition is brilliant, and obviously, I have seen from other AFCONs how things have been, so to be a part of this has obviously been a motivation to come back to the next AFCON and actually prove myself next time around,” the 24-year-old told Punch.
Reflecting on his time with the squad, Alebiosu expressed gratitude despite Nigeria falling short of reaching the final.
“It’s been a joy to come here and obviously be a part of this great team with all my brothers.
“Obviously, we came in wanting to win the tournament and not making the final was a bit disappointing, but I am happy with the bronze. It’s my first AFCON, my first international medal, and I will cherish it forever.”
The defender also opened up on the emotional impact of his injury, admitting it was a difficult moment during what should have been a breakthrough tournament.
“It’s a bit frustrating, I wanted to show what I could do at my first AFCON. When it happened, the team came together and helped me a lot, and watching the team win games really boosted my morale. I was out for some weeks.
“I was glad I was able to return before the end of the tournament, but I couldn’t get more minutes. Hopefully, the next chance I get, I will get more of a chance in the squad. Injuries happen, but next AFCON, I will work harder to get there.”
Looking ahead, Alebiosu said his maiden AFCON experience has given him fresh motivation to improve both individually and collectively.
And on the lesson he took out of his first AFCON experience, he added, “I think just obviously push even harder, push harder as a team. I think this experience has been a wonderful experience and has inspired me to work even harder, be even better in my club, to get to the next AFCON and do even more amazing things.”
