Ilenikhena talks about Osimhen and Okocha after scoring on debut

Super Eagles forward George Ilenikhena has said that Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha and Victor Osimhen inspired him after his dream debut for the national team. He scored his first goal in the Super Eagles match against Madagascar on Friday in Uyo.

The Al-Ittihad player, who used to play for Monaco, netted in the first half at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. Nigeria came back to win 2-1 in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener. Madagascar took the lead early with a goal from Ehsan Khari before Ilenikhena and Moses Usor turned the game around just before and after half-time. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali also made a key save in the second half to help secure the win.

After the match, the 20-year-old shared his joy and pride at scoring on his debut. He hopes to keep this momentum in future games.
“I feel very happy and proud to score my first goal with this national team,” Ilenikhena told Sports Digital Africa. “It is a very big step for me in my young career. I am very happy and hope for more.”

Ilenikhena named Okocha and Osimhen as his role models. He promised to keep working hard for the team.
“I will continue to work hard and do my best for the team on the pitch to be always in the team,” he said.
“I watched Okocha and now Victor Osimhen.”

Before the match, he shared that he wanted to score on his debut and give his best for the team.
“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,” he explained.
“I hope for more goals, help the team in the best way possible and win many trophies with Nigeria.”

Ilenikhena was excited to start the game and called it a significant moment. He also mentioned his strong bond with Akor Adams, both on and off the pitch.
“I was very happy to start the game in a big game for the qualification for AFCON. It was a very big thing for me, so I was very happy,” he said.
“With Akor, we have a really good relationship on the pitch and off the pitch. So to play with him is very good.”

Looking ahead, Ilenikhena said the team would prepare well for their next match against Guinea-Bissau. They are aiming for another victory.
“We will prepare ourselves in the best way and win the second game for the qualification for AFCON,” he concluded.

The young striker will want to keep his good form when Nigeria travels to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29. The Super Eagles hope to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the biennial tournament.