Al-Ittihad striker George Ilenikhena has reportedly committed his international future to Nigeria after holding talks with Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.

According to multiple reports, the 19-year-old agreed to represent Nigeria after Chelle outlined his plans for the highly rated forward, whom he has reportedly monitored for almost a year.

Ilenikhena was said to have been omitted from the Super Eagles squad during the March international window while he was still weighing up the possibility of representing France.

Although the Saudi Arabia-based striker was not in a hurry to make a decision on his international future, reports suggest he could initially feature for Nigeria’s U-23 team before graduating to the senior national side.

Born in Lagos before moving to France as a child, Ilenikhena is eligible to represent both countries. However, he has never played for France at either senior or youth level in an official international match, meaning he would not require a one-time nationality switch to feature for Nigeria.

The forward began his professional career with Belgian side Royal Antwerp before joining French Ligue 1 club AS Monaco. He completed a move to Saudi Pro League champions Al-Ittihad earlier this year.

His reported decision is a significant boost for Chelle, who is assembling a squad for the U-23 team ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games while also strengthening his attacking options for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria’s first-choice striker when fit, with Victor Boniface also competing for a place in attack. Ilenikhena would provide the Super Eagles with another exciting young option should his international commitment be confirmed.

Earlier this year, while still at Monaco, Ilenikhena made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition, surpassing the previous record held by former Nigeria captain Nwankwo Kanu.

The milestone came at the age of 19 years and 157 days following his 18-minute appearance in Monaco’s 6-1 defeat to Real Madrid.