Ryan Alebiosu has rallied his Blackburn Rovers teammates to maintain consistency and strong team spirit as they prepare for a decisive Championship encounter against Sheffield United on Wednesday.

The Nigerian fullback has become a key figure with a run of consistent, tireless and assured performances.

His impressive performances earned him a call-up to the Super Eagles squad ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

However, he went on to make his senior debut for Nigeria in a 3–1 victory over Uganda in the final group match of the tournament.

Despite a dip in form after returning from the tournament, the former Arsenal defender has rediscovered his rhythm, delivering an impressive display in Blackburn's 1-1 draw against Coventry City.

Speaking to the Lancashire Telegraph, Alebiosu underlined the significance of every point in the survival race.

"Every point is so valuable," Alebiosu said. "We need everything we can get to survive. It's a good point even if we were so close to three."

He praised the collective effort of the squad, highlighting the impact of substitutes and the team's cohesion, while expressing frustration at conceding a late equaliser.

"I think performances like that and we'll be fine. The boys were together and the substitutes coming on made a difference. The whole togetherness from the start to the end.

"If we take that to the next two games, we will be fine, 100%."

The 24-year-old also emphasized the importance of attention to detail in the closing stages of matches, noting that small lapses have proven costly.

"It's frustrating to give away that goal in the last five minutes. It's a point and we have a huge game now on Wednesday that we're looking forward to.

"We played a good game, we got ourselves ahead. We knew it wouldn't be easy and they wanted to come here to get promoted. It was a great performance, the last five minutes is just frustrating, it's minor details," Alebiosu added. 

Alebiosu emphasised the need to secure crucial points in the remaining matches of the season, underlining the team's determination ahead of the midweek fixture. 

"These last few games are big games for us. We have to win our battles. They dug deep and we're raring to go," he concluded. 

Alebiosu has been one of Rovers' standout performers this season, registering one goal and four assists in 37 league appearances.

With two matches to the end of the season, Alebiosu will be eager to sustain his fine form as Blackburn Rovers push to avoid relegation to League One.

Rovers currently sit 21st in the Championship on 49 points, holding a five-point cushion over Oxford United, who have a game in hand.

Adeyemi Adewale