George Ilenikhena: Does Al Ittihad form give Chelle a real option behind Osimhen for the Tanzania games?

Super Eagles striker George Ilenikhena says he is strong, likes to keep the ball forward and can score goals, and his numbers at Al Ittihad give Eric Chelle a fresh option as Nigeria chase a place at AFCON 2027.

The 20-year-old made his Nigeria debut last month and scored against Madagascar, according to Afrik-Foot NG, which published its interview on 21 October. Nigeria won that qualifier 2-1 in Uyo, as Soccernet reported earlier this month.

Afrik-Foot describes him as Nigeria's most expensive teenage signing in history. He now plays for Al Ittihad in Saudi Arabia, after spells in France and Belgium, and has scored twice against Barcelona for different clubs, the outlet says.

What Ilenikhena told Afrik-Foot about his game

“I'm strong, I like to keep the ball forward, and I can score goals,” George Ilenikhena told Afrik-Foot NG.

Afrik-Foot says that physical presence, hold-up play and finishing are what he believes can give Chelle another attacking option. It lists his record for Al Ittihad as 7 goals and 3 assists in 17 appearances in all competitions this season.

The same page gives his earlier figures as 10 goals in 51 appearances for Monaco, 14 goals in 50 for Antwerp and 2 goals in 17 first-team games for Amiens.

Analysis: what the numbers can and cannot tell Chelle

Seven goals in 17 games is a return of roughly one every two and a half appearances, which is a fair rate for a forward who is still 20. That figure covers all competitions for his club, and Afrik-Foot notes he faces competition from compatriot Victor Osimhen for a regular place.

The context is a tight group. Nigeria were second in AFCON 2027 qualifying Group L on three points, behind Guinea-Bissau on six, as Soccernet set out earlier this week using the Sport News Africa table. The group has one ticket left because co-hosts Tanzania have already qualified, and Nigeria play them home and away in November.

A striker who holds the ball up is a different tool from a runner in behind, so Ilenikhena could offer Chelle a choice if Nigeria need to break down a team that cannot be eliminated. Whether he starts, comes off the bench or is left out depends on a squad list that none of the sources we opened has confirmed.

The next squad announcement will show whether his Al Ittihad form has convinced Chelle.