Victor Ikpeba, known as ‘The Prince of Monaco’, has urged the Super Eagles to bring rising star George Ilenikhena into the Nigerian national team following his impressive performances in the UEFA Champions League. Ilenikhena made history by becoming the youngest player in AS Monaco’s history to score in the Champions League, securing a match winning goal against Barcelona. This achievement surpassed the previous record set by Kylian Mbappe.
The 18 year old striker, who was also named Man of the Match, has caught the attention of Ikpeba, a former Super Eagles star and Monaco legend. Ikpeba believes Ilenikhena would be a valuable addition to the Super Eagles, though the young striker has already represented France at the youth level.
Ikpeba praised former Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr for his efforts in convincing overseas born players to represent Nigeria and expressed confidence that with the right approach, Ilenikhena could be persuaded to join the Nigerian national team.
We have many talented strikers in Europe, but Ilenikhena is one for the future, and we should act quickly to get him on board, Ikpeba stated, highlighting the importance of reaching out to the player’s family and making the case for Nigeria.
Editorial
George Ilenikhena’s rise at Monaco has sparked excitement in the football world, and Victor Ikpeba’s call to bring him into the Super Eagles fold should not be overlooked. At just 18, Ilenikhena is already making waves at the highest level, and his goal against Barcelona showcases his ability to shine on the biggest stages.
For Nigeria, securing a talent like Ilenikhena could be a game changer. Although the Super Eagles boast an array of talented forwards, adding a player of Ilenikhena’s calibre would be a significant investment in the future. Ikpeba’s comments highlight the importance of timing, as international allegiances can be tricky once a player becomes established at the senior level. With France already in the picture, Nigeria must act swiftly if they hope to convince Ilenikhena to represent his country of birth.
In the competitive world of international football, losing out on a player like Ilenikhena could feel like a missed opportunity. Nigeria must make the most of their connections, such as the legacy of players like Ikpeba, to attract emerging talents who have the potential to shape the future of the national team.
Did You Know?
- George Ilenikhena broke Kylian Mbappe’s record as the youngest AS Monaco player to score in a UEFA Champions League match.
- Ilenikhena has already represented France at the youth level but remains eligible to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria.
- Victor Ikpeba, a former Nigerian star, played for AS Monaco during the peak of his career and is a respected figure in Nigerian football.
- Gernot Rohr, the former Super Eagles coach, was instrumental in recruiting overseas-born players like Ola Aina and William Troost-Ekong to play for Nigeria.
- The Super Eagles currently have several prolific strikers playing across Europe, making competition for places in the squad highly competitive.
