Nigerian football legend Victor Ikpeba has called on the Super Eagles to secure the services of teenage sensation George Ilenikhena, following his stunning debut in the UEFA Champions League.
Ilenikhena, 18, made history by becoming Monaco’s youngest player to score in the Champions League, breaking Kylian Mbappe’s record with a match-winning goal against Barcelona.
“I have been following the remarkable progress of the boy, he’s quick and will certainly be one for the future for the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba, affectionately known as ‘The Prince of Monaco,’ told SCORENigeria.
Ikpeba, who starred for Monaco during his playing career, credited former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for convincing several overseas-born players to represent Nigeria.
“I know that he has already been capped by the French age-grade team, but we can still get him to play for the Super Eagles,” Ikpeba said. “It will be a tough battle, as we’ve seen with Michael Olise opting for France, but with the right approach, starting with his family, he can join the Super Eagles.”
Ikpeba emphasized the importance of securing Ilenikhena’s services, citing the teenager’s potential to bolster Nigeria’s attacking options.
“We already boast proven strikers doing well in Europe, but he’s one for the future. We should do everything to get him,” Ikpeba stressed. “This is the time to bring him in, and then he can fight for his place in the team.”
With Ilenikhena’s stock rising rapidly, the Super Eagles will face stiff competition for his allegiance. However, Ikpeba’s endorsement highlights the excitement surrounding the teenager’s potential impact on Nigerian football.
Will the Super Eagles succeed in convincing Ilenikhena to join their ranks? Only time will tell.