George Ilenikhena has opened up on the emotions behind his first goal for the Super Eagles, describing the moment as a major milestone in his young international career.
The 19-year-old striker marked his Nigeria debut with a goal as the Super Eagles came from behind to defeat Madagascar 2-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener in Uyo.
Ilenikhena, who was handed his senior debut by Eric Chelle, produced a composed finish in the 45th minute to cancel out Madagascar’s early opener and give Nigeria the momentum they needed going into the second half.
For the young forward, however, the goal was about much more than the result.
“Really happy and proud to represent Nigeria a big start for me in my young career”
He also made it clear that he sees the goal as the beginning rather than the peak of his international career.
“Big start for me the first goal of many and I'll continue to work hard and do my best so the fans can be proud of us and me”.
Ilenikhena Relieves His First Days as a Super Eagle
Despite already having considerable experience at club level, Ilenikhena admitted that stepping into the Super Eagles dressing room came with some pressure.
The striker had previously played alongside and against some of Europe’s biggest names, but being around more experienced Nigerian internationals initially left him feeling shy.
He explained that his nerves quickly disappeared after he interacted with his new teammates.
“I was really shy and I went to see them (the players) when I see them talk to them there were really good guys”.
Once he entered the pitch, however, the youngster said his focus immediately shifted to his responsibility as a striker.
‘I Always Need To Score’ - George Ilenikhena
Ilenikhena revealed that scoring was already on his mind when he came onto the pitch, even though he could not have expected the opportunity to arrive so quickly.
“when I come on the pitch I was focused on what I need to do on the pitch”
The striker added:
“I am a striker so I always need to score and I was thinking about it not knowing it will come so quick”
That mindset paid off almost immediately.
With Nigeria trailing Madagascar, Ilenikhena finished off an attack involving Alex Iwobi to score his first goal for the Super Eagles and draw Nigeria level before half-time.
Fellow debutant, Moses Usor later completed the comeback after coming off the bench, giving Nigeria all three points.
From France Youth International To Super Eagles Striker
George Ilenikhena’s journey to the Super Eagles has been unusually rapid.
Born in Lagos on August 16, 2006, the striker moved to France at the age of three and developed his football career there.
Standing at 1.85m, Ilenikhena began his senior journey with Amiens after making his professional debut at just 16.
He later moved to Belgian club Royal Antwerp before earning a transfer to AS Monaco, where he continued to make his mark in European competition.
His career highlights include scoring a late winner against Barcelona in December 2023 to give Antwerp their first-ever Champions League victory.
He also became Monaco’s youngest Champions League goalscorer, breaking a record previously associated with Kylian Mbappé.
In January 2026, he added another major achievement to his growing list when he became the youngest African player to reach 15 Champions League appearances, surpassing the record previously held by Nigerian legend Kanu Nwankwo.
He subsequently moved to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ittihad in February 2026 in a deal reportedly worth €30 million, becoming the most expensive Nigerian teenager at the time.
Ilenikhena’s Super Eagles Journey Begins
Before switching his international allegiance to Nigeria, Ilenikhena represented France at Under-16 level.
Eric Chelle handed him his first Super Eagles call-up in September 2025 for the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, but his senior debut eventually came against Madagascar on September 25, 2026.
He made perfect use of that opportunity. How??
After just two senior appearances for Nigeria, Ilenikhena already has one goal, and his first strike has given the teenager a memorable beginning to his international career.
For a player who has already made history at club level, Ilenikhena now wants to build a similar story with the Super Eagles, starting with the goal he hopes will be the first of many in the green and white.
George Ilenikhena – Quick Profile
- Full name: George Osazehmen Ilenikhena
- Born: August 16, 2006, Lagos, Nigeria
- Age: 19
- Height: 1.85m
- Position: Striker
- Current club: Al-Ittihad, Saudi Pro League
- Previous clubs: Amiens, Royal Antwerp, AS Monaco
- Nigeria caps: 2
- Nigeria goals: 1
Career Highlights
- 2021: Joined Amiens and scored 24 goals for the U17 side.
- November 19, 2022: Made his senior debut at 16 in the Coupe de France.
- January 13, 2023: Became the youngest goalscorer in Ligue 2 history against Bordeaux at 16 years and 150 days.
- June 2023: Joined Royal Antwerp for €6 million.
- December 13, 2023: Scored a 92nd-minute winner against Barcelona in the Champions League.
- July 2024: Joined AS Monaco for a reported €18.75m-€20m.
- 2024: Became Monaco’s youngest Champions League goalscorer.
- January 2026: Broke Kanu Nwankwo’s record as the youngest African to reach 15 Champions League appearances.
- February 2026: Joined Al-Ittihad for €30 million.
- September 25, 2026: Made his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar and scored his first international goal.
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