Nigeria international Ryan Alebiosu made an immediate impact at the start of the 2026/27 season, providing the assist for Blackburn Rovers’ winning goal in their Carabao Cup first-round victory over Burton Albion.

The right-back was instrumental in the decisive moment, delivering the final pass that set up Blackburn’s match-winning goal as Rovers booked their place in the second round of the competition.

The assist provides an encouraging start to the new campaign for Alebiosu, who enjoyed an impressive first season at Ewood Park after joining Blackburn from Belgian side KV Kortrijk.

The Nigerian defender quickly established himself as a regular under manager Michael O’Neill, with his consistent performances earning him a nomination for Blackburn’s Player of the Season award at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.

Alebiosu’s attacking contribution is also becoming an increasingly important part of his game. He recorded several assists during his debut campaign, including a decisive low cross in Blackburn’s victory over Millwall in March.

The 24-year-old’s latest contribution will therefore come as another positive sign for Blackburn as they begin their new campaign and prepare for the demands of the Championship season.

For Alebiosu, the Burton Albion victory represents an ideal start as he looks to build on his impressive debut season and further establish himself as one of Blackburn’s key players.

With the Super Eagles also monitoring the performances of their players abroad, another productive campaign at club level could strengthen Alebiosu’s position in Nigeria’s national-team setup.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peter Obi, and his running mate, Rabi’u Kwankwaso, on Monday met with some governorship candidates of the party.

This is contained in a statement posted on the party’s verified X handle on Monday.

The statement said the party leaders discussed strategies ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to the statement, the leaders also assessed readiness for the elections and emphasised coordinated campaigns, designed to deliver victory for its candidates at every level.

It added that the high-level meeting had in attendance the NDC governorship candidates for Bauchi State, Ibrahim Kashim; Sokoto State, Shamsu Aliyu; and Borno State, Sunusi Kashim Ibrahim.

Others present in the meeting included Buba Galadima, NDC State Chairmen of Kebbi and Sokoto, Alhaji Mustapha Umar and Alhaji Bello Sani Yabo respectively, among other leaders.