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Ryan Alebiosu Earns “Brilliant” Tag From Blackburn Boss O’Neill After Decisive Assist Helps Rovers Escape The Den With Three Points

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Blackburn Rovers head coach Michael O’Neill has singled out Super Eagles right-back Ryan Alebiosu for special praise following his performance in the club’s 2-1 victory over Millwall at The Den on Saturday. The Championship clash saw Blackburn come from behind to secure all three points, with Mathias Jørgensen scoring twice in the final 10 minutes to turn the game in Rovers’ favour — with Alebiosu playing a crucial role not only in his movement on the right flank but also in providing the decisive assist for one of the goals.

O’Neill was effusive in his post-match assessment. Speaking to the club’s official website, the Blackburn head coach said he was delighted with his team’s attacking shape throughout, reserving particular praise for the Nigerian international by describing him as brilliant — alongside full-backs Yuri Ribeiro on the opposite flank and midfielder Ryoya Morishita, commending the collective discipline that kept Rovers composed throughout a difficult afternoon.

O’Neill went further in separate post-match comments, saying Alebiosu showed everyone exactly why he is so highly rated, highlighting his running power and his quality in possession as qualities that were on full display from start to finish at The Den.

The match itself was a genuine test of character. Millwall had taken the lead through an overhead kick from Luke Cundle in the 54th minute, but the complexion of the game changed when home defender Zak Sturge was sent off in the 59th minute. Jørgensen seized on the numerical advantage, first converting an equaliser in the 80th minute — expertly set up by Alebiosu’s precise delivery — before driving home the winner in the 85th.

The result had serious implications in the standings. Blackburn’s victory ended a four-game winless run and lifted the club to 19th in the Championship table, three points above the relegation zone — a vital boost in what has been a challenging season for the Lancashire side.

The 24-year-old Alebiosu, who joined Blackburn Rovers in 2025 after a spell with Kortrijk in Belgium, made his Super Eagles debut in December last year and has accumulated one goal and three assists in 33 Championship appearances this season. His impressive form has not gone unnoticed beyond Ewood Park — Genoa had a bid for him rejected in January, while Everton were also loosely linked with a move, and it is understood Blackburn have already explored potential replacements should interest intensify ahead of the summer transfer window.

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MK Dons Captain Favour Omenazu Gets First Super Falcons Call-Up After Choosing Nigeria

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Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.

Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.

The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.

Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.

The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.

Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.

Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.

The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.

The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.

Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.

The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.

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BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Walks Away From Portugal Camp After Jorge Jesus Snub

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Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.


Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.


“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.


The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.


The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.

After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.

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Super Eagles Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier as Ilenikhena, Usor Score

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Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.

The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.

Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.

Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.

The substitutions quickly paid off.

In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.

The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.

Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.

The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.

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