Eric Chelle confirms he is monitoring Lagos-born former Monaco striker

Eric Chelle has confirmed that the he is keeping close tabs on Lagos-born striker George Ilenikhena ahead of a possible call-up to the Super Eagles.

Ilenikhena, who completed a move from AS Monaco to Al-Ittihad in the winter transfer market, as a replacement for former Real Madrid CF striker Karim Benzema, remains one of the highly-rated young forwards eligible to represent the Super Eagles.

Speaking after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe at the Unity Cup tournament on Tuesday, Chelle revealed that his coaching crew has been monitoring several Nigerian-eligible players across Europe and beyond, including the 19-year-old forward.

“We follow a lot of players in Europe, particularly in Germany, England,” Chelle revealed. “Some of them in Saudi because we have a striker who played for Monaco, he is a good player. We follow a lot of players.”

The Malian tactician also stressed the importance of building a winning mentality within the current Super Eagles squad, insisting the present crop of players are talented enough to deliver major honours for Nigeria.

“We have a good and great team and at this moment they are at the top, so this is the moment that they are supposed to win something.”

Ilenikhena enjoyed an impressive spell with AS Monaco before sealing his switch to Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to continue his development at Al-Ittihad.

Chelle is expected to intensify efforts to convince the highly-rated attacker to commit his international future to Nigeria as the Super Eagles continue preparations toward the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

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