Super Eagles squad vs Tanzania: What has changed for Ilenikhena under Chelle?

After impressing for the Super Eagles on his international debut back in September, George Ilenikhena has been left out of Nigeria’s squad for this month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The three-time African champions face Tanzania in back-to-back games across four days, with six crucial points up for grabs. Nigeria are desperately in need of those maximum points as Eric Chelle’s men currently trail Group L leaders Guinea-Bissau by three points.

With all to play for against the Taifa Stars, many expected head coach Chelle to assemble the most outstanding Super Eagles players on the planet for the two games.

And following the forced withdrawal of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, George Ilenikhena was tipped widely to be one of the first names on the Super Eagles’ November roster.

Instead, the 20-year-old striker was one of the notable omissions from the squad announced for the November fixtures, despite playing regularly for his Saudi Arabian club in recent weeks.

Ilenikhena made an impressive start to his international career in September, scoring on his senior debut against Madagascar. However, he has now been overlooked as Chelle settles on his preferred attacking choices for the two matches against Tanzania.

Why Chelle left Ilenikhena out against Tanzania

Ilenikhena’s omission is a tactical decision rather than a result of injury or fitness problems.

Chelle has chosen Taiwo Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams as his three centre-forward options for the November fixtures.

The three strikers offer different qualities, and the coach appears to favour their attributes for the games against Tanzania.

Ilenikhena is not the only forward to miss out. Kelechi Iheanacho and Gift Orban have also been left out, despite their brilliant output at club level.

The decision leaves Ilenikhena with more work to do to secure a regular place in Chelle’s plans.

Ilenikhena’s impressive form at Al-Ittihad

The former Royal Antwerp striker has been in good form for Al-Ittihad since recovering from a minor injury earlier in the season.

He produced his best performance of October on the 20th, scoring the opening goal and providing an assist for Houssem Aouar in a 4-1 victory over Al-Ettifaq.

Three days later, he scored again in a 2-0 league win over Diriyah Club.

He also featured against Shabab Al-Ahli Dubai and FC Neftchi Fergana in the AFC Champions League Elite, before making appearances against Abha and Al Ain.

Ilenikhena has scored six goals and provided three assists in nine Saudi Pro League appearances this season.

Those numbers make his absence from the Super Eagles squad surprising, particularly as he has been getting regular playing time and delivering goals for his club.

From Madagascar debut goal to Super Eagles omission

Ilenikhena made an immediate impression on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar on September 25.

With Victor Osimhen unavailable through injury, Chelle handed the youngster a starting place alongside Akor Adams in Uyo.

Madagascar took the lead through Ehsan Kari in the 15th minute, but Ilenikhena brought Nigeria level in first-half stoppage time.

The striker latched onto Alex Iwobi’s pass and fired a left-footed shot into the net to score his first senior international goal. Moses Usor later scored the winner in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory.

Four days later, Ilenikhena came off the bench against Guinea-Bissau but could not prevent the Super Eagles from losing 3-0.

His omission from the November squad means he will have to wait for another chance to add to his two international appearances.

With Victor Osimhen, Awoniyi, Arokodare and Adams ahead of him in the current selection, Ilenikhena faces stiff competition for a place in the Super Eagles attack.

His goals in Saudi Arabia have given Chelle something to consider, but the young striker has not done enough to displace the coach’s preferred forwards.