Nigeria lands Al-Ittihad star Ilenikhena

Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena is reportedly set to represent Nigeria after holding talks with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle over his international future.

The 19-year-old forward is said to have agreed to play for the Super Eagles following discussions in which Chelle outlined his plans for the highly rated striker, whom he has reportedly monitored for nearly a year.

Reports indicate that Ilenikhena was left out of Nigeria’s squad for the March international window as he was still considering whether to represent Nigeria or France.

Although the Lagos-born striker was in no rush to make a decision, he is now expected to begin his international career with Nigeria’s U-23 team before earning a place in the senior national side.

Ilenikhena, who moved to France as a child, is eligible to play for both Nigeria and France. However, having never featured for France in an official youth or senior international match, he is free to represent Nigeria without requiring a one-time nationality switch.

The young striker began his professional career with Belgian club Royal Antwerp before joining French Ligue 1 side AS Monaco. He moved to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad earlier this year.

His reported commitment would be a major boost for Chelle as he prepares the U-23 squad for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and strengthens the Super Eagles ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

If confirmed, Ilenikhena will provide additional competition in Nigeria’s attack alongside Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface.

Earlier this year, while at Monaco, Ilenikhena made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the youngest African player to make 15 appearances in the competition, breaking the previous record held by former Super Eagles captain Nwankwo Kanu. He achieved the feat at 19 years and 157 days after featuring in Monaco’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid.