Eagles’ Stars on the Move: Alebiosu Rejects Rumors, Okoronkwo Heads to Sivasspor

The European transfer window is reaching its fever pitch, and Nigerian talent is squarely at the center of the storm. For Super Eagles defender Ryan Alebiosu, the chatter has been loud, but his response has been even louder. Despite being linked with high-profile moves to the Premier League and Serie A, the Blackburn Rovers man has slammed the door shut on any potential January exit, declaring his absolute loyalty to the Championship side.

Alebiosu’s rise since joining Blackburn from Belgian outfit Kortrijk last summer has been nothing short of meteoric. His defensive solidity and marauding runs down the flank quickly made him a fan favorite at Ewood Park, catching the eyes of scouts from Everton and Genoa. However, the 24-year-old remains unfazed by the lure of top-flight football for now. Speaking to Rovers Extra, he emphasized that his primary focus is achieving full fitness and helping his team climb the table.

The defender’s commitment is a major boost for Blackburn, especially following a bittersweet winter. Alebiosu realized a lifelong dream by making his senior international debut for Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. While he played a key role in the Super Eagles’ group-stage victory over Uganda, a frustrating leg injury cut his tournament short. Despite the setback, he returned to England with a bronze medal and a renewed hunger to prove his worth on the domestic stage.

“I have heard a few things, but my mind isn’t on that,” Alebiosu stated, addressing the transfer links directly. For a player who came through the Arsenal youth system, the discipline of staying focused amidst media speculation is clearly ingrained. He assured the Blackburn faithful that he expects to be at the club “100%” beyond the deadline, prioritizing the project at Rovers over the uncertainty of a mid-season move.

While Alebiosu is staying put, another Nigerian star is packing his bags for a new adventure. Jonathan Okoronkwo has officially completed a transfer to Turkish Super Lig side Sivasspor, signing a deal that secures his future until the summer of 2027. The 22-year-old striker arrives from Hatayspor, bringing a lethal scoring record and a wealth of European experience to a Sivasspor side looking to bolster its offensive firepower.

Okoronkwo is no stranger to the pressures of leading a line. He famously finished as the top scorer in the Russian First League during the 2023/24 season, netting an impressive 17 goals during a loan spell with Arsenal Tula. His journey has taken him through Bulgaria and Russia, accumulating over 80 professional appearances and 23 goals before his latest move. At Sivasspor, he is expected to be the focal point of an attack that values his blend of raw pace and clinical finishing.

The acquisition of Okoronkwo is being hailed as a pragmatic move by Sivasspor. In a league known for its intense atmosphere and physical style of play, a young forward with a proven track record across different European tiers is a valuable asset. The Nigerian marksman will be eager to hit the ground running and add to his tally as he aims to make a name for himself in the Turkish top flight.

As the January window draws to a close, the contrasting paths of Alebiosu and Okoronkwo highlight the diverse journeys of Nigerian players abroad. One chooses to anchor himself and build on a successful foundation in England, while the other ventures into a new league to continue his upward trajectory. For Nigerian football fans, seeing their stars command such attention on the global stage is a testament to the country’s enduring talent pool.

The next few months will be crucial for both players. Alebiosu will look to put his injury woes behind him and solidify his spot in the national team setup, while Okoronkwo will be tasked with finding the back of the net in Sivas. Whether staying or moving, the “Super Eagles” brand continues to thrive in the competitive landscape of European football.