“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.

Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu 2 shoots at goal during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United
Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu 2 shoots at goal during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Blackburn Rovers and Oxford United. Copyright: xCraigxGallowayx PSI-23392-0017

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.

Victor Osimhen
Victor James Osimhen Nigeria controls the ball during the Africa Cup Of Nations match between Uganda and Nigeria. Photo by Thor Wegner DeFodi Images/Copyright: Imago

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.

AFCON 2025 in Morocco Ryan Alebiosu during the game against Uganda
AFCON 2025 in Morocco Ryan Alebiosu during the game against Uganda. Copyright: xSulaimanxPoojaxAdebayox

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.

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.