George Ilenikhena faces a late fitness check before Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Bold Sports reports.
The Super Eagles travel to Bissau for their second Group L fixture after opening the campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo. Guinea-Bissau also won their opening match, beating Tanzania 2-0 away from home.
Ilenikhena made an instant impact
Ilenikhena scored on his senior Nigeria debut against Madagascar. The Al-Ittihad forward struck in first-half stoppage time to level the contest after Madagascar had taken the lead.
Moses Usor then completed Nigeria’s comeback in the second half. Both players scored on their Super Eagles debuts.
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Ilenikhena’s goal came after Alex Iwobi found him inside the penalty area. He kept his composure before finishing into the bottom corner.
His performance has now made his fitness an important talking point before the trip to Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle confirms fitness concern
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has revealed that Ilenikhena picked up a minor issue.
The coach will wait for the final training session before making a decision.
”We have to manage George [Ilenikhena]. He has a little something, so we will see in the final training session,” Chelle said in the pre-match conference.
The Nigeria coach also revealed that illness has affected other members of the squad.
”Apart from him, we have two or three players who are sick. We will see after the training session before Tuesday.”
The situation leaves Ilenikhena’s availability uncertain for the Group L encounter.
Nigeria face a key Group L test
Nigeria currently have three points from their opening match. Guinea-Bissau also have three points and sit above the Super Eagles on goal difference after their 2-0 victory over Tanzania.
The result carries added significance because Tanzania are co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON. Their automatic place means the remaining teams in Group L are competing for the qualifying position available to them.
Nigeria must therefore manage their squad carefully in Bissau.
Victor Osimhen is already unavailable for the opening qualifiers because of injury. Ilenikhena’s possible absence would create another attacking concern for Chelle.
If the young forward cannot play, Tolu Arokodare and Taiwo Awoniyi could receive greater responsibility in attack.
The final decision will come after Nigeria’s last training session before Tuesday’s encounter at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro.
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