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George Ilenikhena reveals mindset before scoring debut goal for Super Eagles
Nigeria international George Ilenikhena has revealed that scoring on his Super Eagles debut was one of his main targets before Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad forward was handed his first senior international start in Uyo and responded with a crucial equaliser as Nigeria recovered from an early setback to defeat the Barea.
Madagascar took the lead in the first half, but Ilenikhena restored parity in first-half stoppage time after connecting with a pass from Alex Iwobi before Moses Usor completed Nigeria’s comeback after the interval.
Reflecting on his debut, Ilenikhena said he entered the game determined to give everything for the team while also hoping to open his international goals account.
“Before the match, I was thinking to do my best, to give my best on the pitch, to help the team, and to score my first goal,” the youngster said.
The goal capped a memorable first appearance for the former Monaco striker, who described the occasion as a major step in his young career.
“I feel very happy and proud to score my first goal with this national team,” Ilenikhena said. “It is a very big step for me in my young career.”
The forward also revealed the Nigerian football icons who have influenced his development, naming former Super Eagles captain Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha and current star Victor Osimhen.
“I watched Okocha and now Victor Osimhen,” he said.
Ilenikhena was brought into the starting XI following Osimhen’s injury absence, taking on the responsibility of leading Nigeria’s attack in a competitive fixture.
Despite Madagascar’s early goal, the young striker showed composure to level the contest before Usor, another Nigeria debutant, produced the winning goal to secure all three points for Eric Chelle’s side.
The Al-Ittihad forward was particularly pleased to have been trusted with a starting role in such an important fixture, describing the opportunity to represent Nigeria as a significant moment.
“I was very happy to start the game in a big game for the qualification for AFCON. It was very big thing for me, so I was very happy,” he said.
Ilenikhena also spoke positively about his partnership with fellow striker Akor Adams, saying their relationship extends beyond the pitch.
“With Akor, we have a really good relationship on the pitch and off the pitch. So to play with him is very good,” he said.
The youngster now has his sights on building on his dream start as Nigeria prepare for their second Group L fixture against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
“We will prepare ourselves in the best way and win the second game for the qualification for AFCON,” Ilenikhena said.
For the 20-year-old, the debut goal has provided an early platform to establish himself in the Super Eagles setup, while his next challenge will be to reproduce that impact when Nigeria continue their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign in Bissau.