Super Eagles: 2 factors behind George Ilenikhena’s invitation for AFCON 2027Q

Al Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena has been called up by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Lagos-born forward began his career with French side Amiens before moving to Royal Antwerp, where he continued his development and eventually earned a move to Monaco.

Ilenikhena rose to prominence during his time at Monaco, especially after making an impression with his performances in the UEFA Champions League.

He moved to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad earlier this year, but his first few months at the club were difficult. The striker struggled with fitness and found it hard to break into the team, especially during the second half of last season.

However, things have changed this season, with the 20-year-old enjoying an impressive start and showing much better form in front of goal.

His performances have now earned him his first senior invitation to the Nigerian national team. Ilenikhena had previously represented France at youth level, but Nigeria had been monitoring his situation for some time and have now secured his commitment at senior level, putting him in contention to make his Super Eagles debut when Nigeria face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.

Ilenikhena was widely tipped to receive a call-up, and Chelle has now handed him the opportunity to show what he can offer at international level.

Why Eric Chelle handed George Ilenikhena Super Eagles’ invitation 

Nigeria have a wealth of attacking options, but Ilenikhena is one of three new players added to Chelle’s squad for the upcoming qualifiers, alongside LASK forward Moses Usor and Alverca defender Isaac James.

However, there are two factors that could have contributed to Chelle’s decision to call the young forward for the two matches.

1. His goalscoring form

One of the biggest reasons behind Ilenikhena’s inclusion is his impressive goalscoring form this season. The Al Ittihad forward has scored six goals and provided two assists across all competitions, making a strong start after a difficult beginning to life at the Saudi Arabian club.

His struggles last season were majorly linked to fitness issues and limited opportunities, but he has put those problems behind him and is now playing with greater confidence.

Ilenikhena’s goalscoring numbers are difficult to overlook, especially for a Super Eagles side looking for more options in attack.

His current form has therefore played an important role in earning him Chelle’s attention and ultimately securing his first senior call-up.

2. Nigeria’s attacking fitness situation

Another factor is the current fitness situation surrounding some of Nigeria’s established attacking options. Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu have both dealt with injury problems in recent weeks and might not be fully fit to play the full 90 minutes across both games.

Osimhen has already missed two matches for Galatasaray, although he is in contention to return against Trabzonspor this weekend, while Onuachu also suffered a slight injury.

Elsewhere, Akor Adams is still adapting to life in Serie A following his move from Sevilla to Venezia, while Tolu Arokodare recently suffered an illness that kept him out of Ajax’s 5-1 win over Willem II.

Ilenikhena’s availability gives Chelle another option in attack. The young forward is fit and firing at club level, and his current condition could have strengthened the case for his inclusion in the Super Eagles squad.

Ilenikhena will now hope to take advantage of the opportunity and make his senior debut for Nigeria when they begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles will face Madagascar on September 25 before taking on Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying match few days later, as Chelle’s side look to collect maximum points from both games and make a strong start to their campaign.