George Ilenikhena: Monaco Forward Interested in Representing Nigeria, Report

George Ilenikhena: Monaco Forward Interested in Representing Nigeria, Report

  • The international future of George Ilenikhena is one set to stir up significant conversations in the near term
  • The young forward, who has been in brilliant form, recently completed a transfer to Ligue 1 club AS Monaco
  • A report detailing that the former Royal Antwerp forward is keen on representing Nigeria has recently surfaced

The international future of AS Monaco’s latest signing, George Ilenikhena, is poised to spark significant discussions in the near future.

The 17-year-old, who recently joined AS Monaco for an estimated €17 million, is eligible to play for both Nigeria and France.

George Ilenikhena celebrates his goal for AS Monaco.
Folarin Balogun and George Ilenikhena celebrate during the friendly match between Feyenoord and AS Monaco at Feyenoord Stadium on July 31, 2024. Image: Bart Stoutjesdijk.
Source: Getty Images

PAY ATTENTION: Follow our WhatsApp channel to never miss out on the news that matters to you!

Born to Nigerian parents in Nigeria, the dazzling forward moved to France at a young age and has yet to be capped at the senior level by either nation.

Read also

Lookman submits transfer request to join French club chasing Osimhen, reports

PAY ATTENTION: Share your outstanding story with our editors! Please reach us through info@corp.legit.ng!

However, it appears the young forward has already made his decision regarding his international career. According to a report courtesy of OwnGoalNigeria, the former Royal Antwerp star is inclined to represent Nigeria rather than France’s Les Bleus.

Is Illenikhena open to representing Nigeria?

According to the report, a representative of the forward detailed in an interview:

“George won’t say no to the Super Eagles. He is a Nigerian and proud to be one. But that isn’t on his mind currently, as he just moved to a new club in France.”

The representative also noted that the former U-20 coach of the Nigerian team, Ladan Bosso, approached the young Ilenikhena about the prospect of representing Nigeria at the 2023 U-20 FIFA World Cup.

The young forward racked up an impressive 14 goals in his 50 appearances across all competitions for Royal Antwerp, according to data courtesy of FotMob.

Read also

Super Eagles set to welcome new additions as NFF draw up scouting shortlist: report

The 17-year-old is expected to shine brightly in the French league this season—a league where he honed his footballing skills.

Troost-Ekong set to join Al Kholood

Legit.ng in another report detailed that vice-captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong, is set to join Saudi Pro League outfit, Al Kholood.

The 30-year-old, who was named the best player at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, is bringing to an end his stint in the Greek Super League.

The PAOK Thessaloniki defender recently completed a transfer from Udinese to the Greek champions.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ero Samson avatar

Ero Samson (Sports Editor) Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over six years in the Nigerian media industry. He has honed his skills at EPL Partners Nigeria Limited and Transsion Holdings, where he covered various sports stories and general news working as Content Operation Specialist and Content Coordinator. He graduated from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in 2023. Reach him via email at ero.samson@sportsbrief.com.

Tags: