Super Eagles: What George Ilenikhena offers that Victor Osimhen cannot

Super Eagles striker George Ilenikhena is making a strong case for a bigger role in Nigeria’s attack after delivering another impressive performance for Al-Ittihad.

The young attacker, who only made his international debut last month, has already got Nigerian fans salivating over the prospect of a promising partnership with Victor Osimhen in the Super Eagles.

The 20-year-old forward scored and provided an assist as Al-Ittihad thrashed Al-Ettifaq 4-1 in the Saudi Pro League.

Blessed with sharp movement and attacking instincts, Ilenikhena has made significant progress this season. After making six substitute appearances without scoring last term, Ilenikhena has registered seven goals and three assists in 11 matches this campaign.

His performances have included a brace against Al-Najma in the King Cup, a long-range winner against Al-Qadsiah and two goals against Al-Nassr.

“I’m very happy with my performances,” Ilenikhena told Arab News. “I work hard for this every day, to be performing every game, to help the team in the best way.”

After convincing Ilenikhena to play for Nigeria ahead of France, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle would be pleased with the youngster’s development.

With Ilenikhena, Chelle has taken a huge step closer to building a Super Eagles attack that does not depend exclusively on Osimhen for goals.

Super Eagles: Osimhen brings the aggression and physical presence

Nigeria’s all-time second highest goalscorer with 35 goals, Osimhen remains the Super Eagles’ number-one centre-forward.

The Galatasaray striker is strong in the air, scores with both feet, presses like a maniac and torments defenders for 90 minutes. When he plays, the Super Eagles almost always never lose.

However, when he is unavailable, sometimes due to injury or club commitments, Osimhen leaves a giant hole in the Nigerian attack nobody can fill half as well as he does.

It has not been for a lack of other options. Chelle has given opportunities to the likes of Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Rafiu Durosinmi, Terem Moffi and even Akor Adams. While some of these talented stars have shown their finishing abilities in a few games, none was able to take away Chelle’s worries in the absence of Osimhen.

That was until Ilenikhena came into the picture. The 20-year-old has only made two appearances for Nigeria but he did show signs that he could be the answer to the Super Eagles problem Chelle has had difficulty solving.

When Osimhen is unavailable, the former Monaco lad can step in as the goal-hungry centre-forward pushing the Super Eagles to victory.

Paired together with Osimhen, the Super Eagles could finally boast an attack that would be the envy of every other country at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations.

Ilenikhena offers movement and a different attacking threat

Ilenikhena’s strength lies in his willingness to attack space, drift into channels and arrive in dangerous positions while defenders concentrate on the main striker.

His left-footed finishing gives the Super Eagles a different dimension in the final third not seen since a young Kelechi Iheanacho burst unto the international scene.

Rather than simply competing with Osimhen for the central striking position, he could operate slightly behind or alongside the Galatasaray forward.

Chelle could explore a 4-4-2 diamond or 4-3-1-2, using Osimhen as the focal point and Ilenikhena as the mobile partner. Alternatively, the Al-Ittihad forward could start from the right in a front three, cutting inside to threaten goal.

The partnership would give Nigeria more options against different defensive setups. Osimhen could occupy defenders while Ilenikhena attacks the gaps, creating additional scoring opportunities for both forwards.

Ilenikhena could also provide a potent second-half option when Osimhen needs rest or opponents begin tiring, allowing the Super Eagles to maintain its attacking intensity.

The challenge will be finding the right balance without sacrificing the creativity and width provided by the likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Samuel Chukwueze.

If Ilenikhena sustains his club form and adapts quickly to international football, Chelle could have two complementary strikers capable of sharing the goalscoring burden. That would mean not replacing Osimhen, but building a more versatile Super Eagles attack around him.