Ilenikhena ready to help Nigeria against Guinea-Bissau despite fitness doubt

Super Eagles forward George Ilenikhena says he will be ready to play if selected for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old made an immediate impact on his senior international debut, scoring Nigeria’s equaliser in their 2-1 victory over Madagascar before Moses Usor completed the comeback.

However, the Al-Ittihad striker is facing a late fitness test ahead of the Group L fixture in Bissau. Reports indicate that Ilenikhena has a minor fitness problem, with head coach Eric Chelle expected to assess him after the team’s final training session.

“I’ll be ready if the coach puts me on the pitch again to give my best and help the team win this,” Ilenikhena said.

Nigeria’s new forward also explained the celebration he performed after scoring against Madagascar. He said it reflects the nickname ‘la gachette’, which he was given in Paris, France, and represents the action of shooting.

“Something that I always do because in Paris, in France, they call me ‘la gachette,’ and it’s like when you shoot,” he said.

“So, it’s something I do when I score that represents me now. So, when I score, I do this.”

Ilenikhena said earning his first senior call-up was a major moment in his young career and that he was proud to represent Nigeria.

“I was really happy and proud to represent Nigeria. It’s a big call for me in my young career to be here.”

He admitted he initially felt shy when he arrived in camp and met the senior players, but said their welcome quickly helped him settle.

“I was a little bit shy, you know, to see them. So, when I came and saw them, they were very good guys,” he said.

“I was really calm when I saw them and talked to them. So, I saw that they were really good guys. I was really happy to meet them.”

The striker also acknowledged feeling some pressure before the Madagascar game. That feeling eased once he entered the pitch and concentrated on his responsibilities.

“I always try to do my best, play my game and show the way I play. So, there was a little bit of pressure in the beginning, but when I came onto the pitch, I always focused on what I needed to do on the pitch.”

Ilenikhena said he expected to score because of his position, although he had not anticipated the chance arriving so soon. He converted after Alex Iwobi’s assist shortly before half-time.

“I’m a striker, so I always expect to score. So, I was thinking about it, but I didn’t know it would come so quickly,” he said.

“I’m really happy and proud to score the equaliser against Madagascar.”

He described the goal as an important first step for his international career and vowed to continue working hard for the national team.

“It’s the first goal, and I hope it’s the first of many. So, I will continue to work hard and do my best so the fans can be proud of us and proud of me.”