Chelle to assess Ilenikhena and three other Nigeria players before Guinea-Bissau qualifier

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle says George Ilenikhena will undergo a late fitness check before Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.

The 18-year-old made his senior international debut in Nigeria’s opening Group L match against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, scoring the equaliser in a 2-1 comeback victory. Moses Usor completed the turnaround in the second half.

However, Chelle confirmed on Monday that Ilenikhena is managing a minor problem and will not be cleared to play in Bissau until after the team’s final training session.

The coach also said two or three other members of the Super Eagles squad are unwell, with their availability to be decided before the match.

“We have to manage George. Maybe he has a little something, so we have to manage him. We will see at the last training session. We also have two or three players who are a little sick, so we will see after the training session and before tomorrow,” Chelle said at his pre-match press conference.

Nigeria are preparing for their second consecutive difficult fixture, with Guinea-Bissau also beginning their qualifying campaign with three points.

The Djurtus won 2-0 away to Tanzania in their opening Group L game, a result that placed them top of the group before their meeting with the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s victory over Madagascar followed a challenging start, but they recovered to claim the points through Ilenikhena’s goal and Usor’s second-half finish.

Chelle must now decide whether the teenage forward is fit enough to feature again, while also monitoring the players affected by illness during the final session before Tuesday’s encounter.