Eric Chelle's Super Eagles get major boost as Arsenal-trained defender returns to training News

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Eric Chelle's Super Eagles get major boost as Arsenal-trained defender returns to training

By DailySports Nigeria on January 9, 2026

Eric Chelle's Super Eagles squad just received a crucial reinforcement as an Arsenal-trained defender returned to full training ahead of the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal clash against Algeria.

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has just got the defensive reinforcement Nigeria craves ahead of the next round in the AFCON 2025.

Arsenal academy graduate and Blackburn Rovers right-back, Ryan Alebiosu, has roared back into Super Eagles training ahead of their AFCON 2025 quarterfinal against Algeria this weekend.

Alebiosu suffered a nasty gash on his right leg during his senior debut, a thrilling 3-1 group-stage win over Uganda.

The budding star managed to play all 90 minutes leading to praise from Victor Osimhen before rushing to hospital for stitches, sparking worries he'd miss up to a month and derail his tournament dreams.

But the recovery defied odds. Pulse Sports Nigeria confirms the injury has healed swiftly, and a Super Eagles X video from Marrakech training captured Alebiosu sprinting alongside teammates, fully fit after sitting out the Round of 16 triumph over Mozambique.

The 24-year-old's timely return plugs a gaping hole in Chelle's backline, ramping up depth for the Morocco-hosted showdown.

With Nigeria chasing their first title since 2013, this boost lets the Malian coach tweak his setup with confidence, silencing early fears over defensive frailty.

It’s a timely boost for Nigeria’s ambitious boss, Chelle, with the Arsenal product's pace and tackling now in contention for a starting nod Saturday.

His return echoes Nigeria's AFCON 2025 surge under Chelle, who has flipped scepticism into adoration through pragmatic tactics and squad rotation in just one year in charge of the Eagles.

From debut drama to quarterfinal fire, Alebiosu embodies the resilience fueling Nigeria's trophy hunt.

With this Arsenal graduate in the mix, Chelle's options have exploded, but can he help the Super Eagles defence lock down Algeria and march closer to history?

Source DailySports Nigeria

Posted January 9, 2026