With a goal and an assist against Al-Ettifaq (4-1), George Ilenikhena is confirming his form with Al-Ittihad. The young 20-year-old Nigerian striker could offer Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle an alternative to Victor Osimhen.
George Ilenikhena continues his rise. He delivered a goal and an assist in Al-Ittihad’s emphatic win over Al-Ettifaq (4-1) in the Saudi Pro League. At 20, the Nigerian striker is stringing together strong performances.
His record this season is telling: 7 goals and 3 assists in 11 matches, according to Afrik-Foot. A contrast with the previous campaign, when he failed to score in his six substitute appearances. This surge could shake up the Super Eagles attack, where Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker, holds a prized place.
A sharply rising output
Beyond his goal and assist against Al-Ettifaq, Ilenikhena had already stood out with a brace in the King’s Cup against Al-Najma and a winning goal against Al-Qadsiah, again according to Afrik-Foot. He also scored twice against Al-Nassr in the Saudi league’s headline clash.
In comments reported by Arab News, he describes his daily commitment: “I’m very happy with my performances. I work hard every day for this, to be at my best in every match and to help the team in the best way possible.”
His club face Al-Diriyah this Friday, 23 October, as their domestic campaign continues.
A deliberate international choice
Ilenikhena chose to represent Nigeria over France. That choice came to fruition last month with his very first cap for the Super Eagles.
In an attack where competition is fierce, his movement and ability to drive at defenders offer Éric Chelle a direct alternative or a complementary option to Victor Osimhen, according to Afrik-Foot. The potential complementarity between the two strikers is generating great expectations among Nigerian supporters.
Towards a partnership with Osimhen?
The idea of pairing Ilenikhena and Osimhen is gaining ground. While the former has not yet displaced the latter, his progress could push Éric Chelle to rethink his plans.
Until then, Ilenikhena continues his season with Al-Ittihad. The next Super Eagles gathering is scheduled for November 2026.