George Ilenikhena set for Super Eagles debut in AFCON qualifiers

George Ilenikhena, the 20-year-old striker for Al-Ittihad, has been named among ten rookies to watch during the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) highlighted Ilenikhena following his notable performances in the UEFA Champions League with Royal Antwerp and AS Monaco.

Ilenikhena is set to make his debut for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, this Friday against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. The striker expressed his pride regarding the call-up from head coach Éric Chelle, noting that the team atmosphere feels like a “big family.”

Other rookies identified by CAF include Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco), Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal), Patrick Zabi (Côte d’Ivoire), Puso Dithejane (South Africa), Christian Kofane (Cameroon), Caleb Yirenkyi (Ghana), Noah Sadiki (DR Congo), Ibrahim Maza (Algeria), and Ryan Ogam (Kenya).