George Ilenikhena has landed his first invitation to Nigeria's senior national team. The 19-year-old striker has been in blistering form for Al-Ittihad this season. He has scored five goals in six appearances across all competitions.
Ilenikhena's Brace Sinks Al-Nassr in Jeddah
His latest performance sealed the deal. Ilenikhena scored twice as Al-Ittihad beat Al-Nassr 2-1 on Saturday. The match took place at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah. It marked Al-Nassr's first league defeat of the season.
Ilenikhena opened the scoring in the fourth minute. He reacted fastest after goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi parried a close-range effort. He headed the rebound home from close range. His second goal came in the 22nd minute. Teammate Houssem Aouar supplied the pass. Ilenikhena rose high and finished with an improvised foot flick. The Roshn Saudi League's official account called it a "cinematic goal."
That brace made history. According to Opta, Al-Ittihad had never scored twice inside the first 22 minutes against Al-Nassr before. The early double gave Al-Ittihad a platform they never relinquished. Al-Nassr pulled one back through Angelo in the 36th minute. Cristiano Ronaldo went close in the second half. Goalkeeper Predrag Rajkovic denied him with a strong save. Rajkovic made several more stops to protect the lead.
Ilenikhena picked up the Man of the Match award. He spoke about the win afterward.
"I am extremely happy to have scored two goals today and to have won the Man of the Match award in this great match," he said. He also thanked the club's supporters and promised more match-winning displays.
Ilenikhena Set for Nigeria's AFCON 2027 Qualifying Opener##
The Nigeria-born, France-raised forward joined Al-Ittihad in the winter window. He arrived as a replacement for Karim Benzema. His breakout form has now pushed him ahead of Morocco international Youssef En-Nesyri in the pecking order.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle had already convinced Ilenikhena to commit his international future to the Super Eagles. This call-up confirms that work paid off. Ilenikhena will now link up with the squad for two crucial fixtures. Nigeria open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign at home to Madagascar. That game takes place in Uyo on September 23. Four days later, the Super Eagles travel to face Guinea-Bissau.
With five goals in six games, Ilenikhena arrives in red-hot form. Punters watching Nigeria's AFCON qualifiers will want to keep a close eye on the teenager. His movement, finishing, and confidence look ready-made for international football.