Ryan Alebiosu Set For Blackburn Return As Nigerian Youngsters Complete Major Moves

Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray is optimistic that Nigeria international Ryan Alebiosu will recover in time to feature in Saturday’s Championship encounter against Lincoln City.

Alebiosu was withdrawn during the closing stages of Blackburn’s goalless draw against Preston North End on Tuesday, September 1, with Lucas Houghton coming on as his replacement. The late substitution raised concerns about the defender’s fitness ahead of the weekend fixture.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Mowbray has played down the concerns and expects the Nigerian right-back to be available for the trip to Lincoln City.

The Blackburn manager acknowledged Alebiosu’s talent while noting that the player has occasionally struggled with fitness issues. He expressed confidence that the club’s medical and fitness staff would help him recover sufficiently before Saturday’s match.

Alebiosu has featured five times across all competitions for Blackburn this season and has registered one assist.

Meanwhile, Nigerian teenage striker Abdoulaye Agbejoye has completed a move from Grassrunners FC Academy to French side Stade de Reims, where he will continue his development with the club’s academy.

The 18-year-old was part of Nigeria’s Flying Eagles squad at the 2026 WAFU B U-20 Championship in Côte d’Ivoire. He enjoyed an impressive campaign at Grassrunners last season, scoring 19 goals in 19 appearances.

His performances earned him both the Golden Boot and Best Player awards at the Nigerian Youth League Cup.

Agbejoye becomes the latest Nigerian prospect from Grassrunners to join Stade de Reims, following the French club’s earlier acquisition of fellow Nigerian youngster Godwin Itotomi.

Elsewhere, Nigerian winger Daniel Job has completed a permanent transfer to Major League Soccer side FC Dallas from Norwegian club Kongsvinger IL.

The 21-year-old has signed a contract that will run through the 2029 MLS season, with an option for an additional year.

Job attracted attention during his time in Norway, recording eight goals and nine assists in 20 appearances. The transfer has reportedly been valued at approximately $5.2 million and is believed to be one of the biggest deals involving a player moving from Norway’s lower divisions.

FC Dallas Chief Soccer Officer Andre Zanotta expressed confidence in the Nigerian winger’s potential, highlighting his pace, attacking ability and capacity to develop further in Major League Soccer.

The club believes Job’s ability to take on defenders and create opportunities in the final third will provide an additional attacking option as he begins the next chapter of his career in the United States.