The 8 Blackburn Rovers fixtures Ryan Alebiosu could miss as AFCON blow looms | OneFootball

Ryan Alebiosu could miss up to eight matches, with a potential spot in Nigeria's AFCON squad up for grabs.

Ryan Alebiosu has started fantastically at Blackburn Rovers, and he could be in line for a call-up to Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations squad.

The 23-year-old Arsenal academy graduate signed from Belgian outfit Kortrijk over the summer and has quickly become a key figure at Ewood Park.

After a poor start to the campaign, Rovers' form has improved drastically in recent weeks, with wins over two relegated sides, Southampton and Leicester, and a triumph over high-flying Bristol City.

Alebiosu, born in London, is also eligible for the Nigerian national team, and recent reports suggest that the Super Eagles are considering calling up the right-back. And with AFCON set to take place in just over a month, Rovers could be without one of their recent stars for up to six matches.

Ryan Alebiosu attracting Nigeria interest

As first revealed by OwnGoalNigeria, Alebiosu has begun the process of acquiring a Nigerian passport ahead of a potential debut for the senior team. The report suggests that Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle, has been monitoring his progress at Ewood Park and sees him as the ideal replacement for injured defenders Ola Aina and Felix Agu.

OwnGoalNigeria also report that a source close to the player said: "He [Ryan] has applied for his Nigerian passport and the earliest I think he can get it is December. So playing at the AFCON is the realistic target for now, even though the games in November is also possible."

A call-up would be a major milestone, but it would leave Blackburn without one of their most influential performers. Following Callum Brittain's summer departure to Middlesbrough, Alebiosu has made the right-back role his own and quickly become a favourite among the Rovers fanbase.

Originally a winger at Arsenal, the 23-year-old has showcased his attacking instincts in recent weeks, with a goal against Southampton and an assist for Andri Gudjohnsen's second of the afternoon against Leicester. Blessed with fantastic pace and athleticism, Alebiosu has registered 0.99 successful dribbles per 90, 2.81 tackles per 90, and 1.16 successful crosses per 90.

And he hasn't found ninety minutes hard to come by either. Since Rovers' 2-1 defeat to Birmingham City in the second round of Championship matches, Alebiosu has seen out the entirety of every clash but one, becoming more and more important under Ismael.

The Blackburn Rovers fixtures Ryan Alebiosu could miss during AFCON

The number of matches that Alebiosu misses will be fully dependent on Nigeria's performance at the tournament. And while hosts Morocco go into the competition as favourites, three-time champions Nigeria will always expect to reach the latter stages.

Over the festive period, the right-back would miss clashes against Millwall, Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and Wrexham in the Championship, while Nigeria face Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C, with their final group game scheduled for December 30th.

Should the Super Eagles progress as expected, the length of Alebiosu's absence will depend on just how far Chelle's side goes. With the final in Rabat set for January 18th, Rovers could be without the defender for fixtures against Charlton and Ipswich, while he would be doubtful for their trip to Swansea two days after the tournament concludes.

Alongside the Championship matches that he could miss, the possibility is there for Alebiosu to miss an eighth domestic fixture, with the FA Cup third round falling on January 10th. In his absence, Ismael may look to Lewis Miller as a replacement, with the Australian being a full-back by trade, despite playing at centre-back for Blackburn this season.

However, it cannot be ignored that Alebiosu's influence will be incredibly difficult for Rovers to replicate over the Christmas period, should he receive his Nigeria call.