Ilenikhena returns to Saudi Pro League with goal and assist for Al-Ittihad

George Ilenikhena marked his return to Saudi Pro League action with a goal and an assist as Al-Ittihad beat Al-Ettifaq 4-1 on Tuesday evening.

The 20-year-old Nigeria international had missed Al-Ittihad’s meeting with Al-Hilal on 10 October after sustaining a minor injury during Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar.

He returned to the squad after the September/October international break and made an immediate impact, opening the scoring in the 16th minute.

Ilenikhena met Richard Rios’ backheel with a powerful first-time finish from his left foot, taking his league tally to five goals this season.

That briefly put him level with Steven Bergwijn and Youssef En-Nesyri as Al-Ittihad’s leading scorers in the Saudi Pro League.

Al-Ettifaq restored parity through Sultan Ali Harun in the 34th minute, but Ilenikhena turned provider nine minutes after half-time when he assisted Houssem Aouar to put Al-Ittihad back in front.

En-Nesyri then scored twice in the closing stages to complete a 4-1 victory.

The former Monaco starlet had also featured for Nigeria during the international break despite not being fully fit. He came on for the final 14 minutes against Guinea-Bissau as manager Eric Chelle looked for a response after the Super Eagles fell two goals behind.

Ilenikhena had already made a strong impression on his international debut the previous month. He scored a crucial equaliser shortly before half-time as the three-time African champions recovered from behind to beat Madagascar 2-1 in Uyo.