The two-week international break provided Ryan Alebiosu and his Blackburn Rovers teammates with an opportunity to recharge both mentally and physically ahead of the final seven games of the Championship season.

Alebiosu remained in Blackburn during the break after being left out of Nigeria's squad for their double-header in Antalya, Turkey, against Iran and Jordan.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle opted to name only one out-and-out right-back in his 23-man squad for the March internationals, a decision that saw Alebiosu miss out as he is behind Bright Osayi-Samuel in the pecking order.

During the Easter period, Blackburn have a busy schedule, including a clash against Osayi-Samuel's Birmingham City at St. Andrew's on Friday, followed by a home match against West Bromwich on Monday, April 6.

Alebiosu has emphasised the importance of the season's closing stretch, insisting that every remaining game must be approached as if it were a cup final.

Speaking to RoversTV, the Nigeria international said: "It’s been key because we’d had a long run heading into the break, which has been full of a lot of ups and a lot of downs.

"The break has given us a bit of a breather and we’re ready to get going again for seven important games."

Alebiosu highlighted Blackburn's recent results as a source of optimism, and also stressed the importance of recovery and focus as the season reaches its climax.

"To get a point against a very tough opponent in Middlesbrough was a nice boost for us and we’re all in a better mood for what’s to come in the next seven games.

"Winning against Millwall the week before as well, it’s all given us the confidence that we can beat anyone. We believe we can get something from any game.

"We’ve had the opportunity to rest and recover now. We need as many points as we can get and every game is a big opportunity for us. Every game is a cup final for us."

Blackburn Rovers will also face Stoke City, Coventry City, Sheffield United, Southampton and Leicester City in their remaining fixtures before the end of the season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel