Soccer
Samuel Chukwueze, Ryan Alebiosu, Dele-Bashiru celebrate with Raphael Onyedika during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Uganda and Nigeria on December 30th, 2025 at Complexe Sportif De Stade, Fes, Morocco. Photo by Segun OgunfeyitimixImago
The Super Eagles of Nigeria sealed a 100% AFCON 2025 Group Stage record after sealing a 3-1 win against Uganda earlier today, Soccernet.ng reports.
However, the positive news could be marred by news coming from the Super Eagles camp concerning two AFCON tournament debutants.
Blackburn’s Ryan Alebiosu came in for Bright Osayi-Samuel today in his first-ever Nigerian game and played all 90 minutes.
Ryan Alebiosu on his first appearance for Nigeria at AFCON
93% pass accuracy
5 defensive contributions
74 touches
2 touches in opposition box
3 passes into final third
1 tackle
3 clearances
1 interception
4 recoveries
2 duels won#BRFC | #Rovers pic.twitter.com/B74eMMaM5r— RoversXtra (@RoversXtra) December 30, 2025
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After the game, the Super Eagles officials confirmed that the 24-year-old sustained a deep cut on his right leg. Uncertainty surrounds his availability for the rest of the tournament.
The exact moment the Blackburn full-back suffered the injury is unknown, but early checks suggest it doesn’t look so good for the Islington-born defender.
While Alebiosu’s injury now means Bright Osayi-Samuel is Nigeria’s only natural option at right-back, he wasn’t the only casualty.
Chidozie Awaziem can work as a makeshift right-back. The former FC Porto defender revealed he’s willing to play anywhere the manager fields him, although he prefers to play as a centre-back.
Away from Alebiousu, Stanley Nwabali is also not fully fit. The Chippa United goalkeeper was benched tonight, with Francis Uzoho standing between the sticks for the Super Eagles.
Cyriel Dessers made his Super Eagles debut in 2020, but is only just representing the green and whites in his first major tournament five years later.
In a game where Chelle gave minutes to squad players like Awaziem, Igoh Ogbu, Raphael Onyedika, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Paul Onuachu, and Samuel Chukwueze, the former Rangers striker didn’t come on for his AFCON debut.
As per the Super Eagles medical team, the 31-year-old was unable to feature this evening due to a thigh problem and is scheduled for a scan tomorrow.
“He had a little injury in yesterday’s training session. So, maybe tomorrow, he’ll go to the hospital to get an MRI scan,” Eric Chelle told Soccernet.ng after the game against Uganda.
While the Super Eagles might have worthy substitutes for the injured trio, having injuries heading into the knockout rounds could cause more headaches for Eric Chelle.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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