New Nigeria invitee George Ilenikhena has set his sights on winning the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA World Cup and every major competition available to Nigeria after receiving his maiden senior international call-up.

The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad forward was included in Eric Chelle’s squad for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.  

Ilenikhena, who was born in Nigeria and raised in France, said he was delighted to finally receive the opportunity to represent the country at senior level and is determined to make the most of it.

“To be honest, I am very happy and excited to be here to represent Nigeria. I am very proud to be here and show fans my quality in the team,” Ilenikhena said.  

The striker, who has impressed with his performances for Al-Ittihad this season, said he would give everything in training and matches to demonstrate that he is ready for the demands of international football.

“I will give my best always to the training and the games to show everybody that I am ready to play and help the team.”  

Ilenikhena has already set his ambitions high, revealing that he wants to win every major trophy he can with the Super Eagles.

“To win everything with this team, the AFCON, World Cup, and everything I can play with this great team,” he added.  

The Al-Ittihad forward said representing Nigeria carries special significance because of his birthplace and family background.

“It is a honour to represent the Super Eagles because I was born in Nigeria and to represent this country is a very big thing for me.”  

He also revealed that his parents were the first people he contacted after receiving the news of his Super Eagles invitation.

“I called my dad and my mum because I was really happy and excited. They were really happy and proud of me.”  

Ilenikhena’s call-up followed a strong start to the campaign with Al-Ittihad, where his finishing and attacking performances earned him a place in Chelle’s 24-man squad.

He has scored six goals and provided two assists in nine appearances across all competitions this season, according to AllNigeriaSoccer.  

The teenager’s form also played a major role in his emergence as one of the new attacking options available to Chelle, alongside established Super Eagles forwards including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams.  

Ilenikhena will now compete for his first Super Eagles appearance as Nigeria prepares to begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The forward is eager to contribute immediately and believes collective effort will be crucial to securing the results Nigeria needs from the two qualifiers.

“We will give our best together with the team and the coach to win these two games and qualify,” he concluded.  

The first call-up for Ilenikhena represents the beginning of what he hopes will become a successful international career, with his ambitions extending beyond simply making his Super Eagles debut.