Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has explained why George Ilenikhena was left out of his 24-man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania.

The Al-Ittihad striker was one of the surprise omissions after Chelle unveiled his squad for the Tanzania double-header on Saturday, November 7.

According to OwnGoalNigeria, a source close to the team revealed that the 20-year-old was not called up because of an injury.

“He [George Ilenikhena] is injured, and that is why he was left out of the team. It’s so unfortunate that he has been battling to regain full fitness since the game on that pitch in Guinea-Bissau,” the source told OwnGoalNigeria.

“When I spoke with Chelle, he confirmed the injury, and even George himself told me he is gutted to be absent from these games against Tanzania,” the source added.

Ilenikhena made his Nigeria debut during the last international window against Madagascar, scoring on his first appearance for the national team.

The former AS Monaco forward came on as a substitute in Nigeria’s second game against Guinea-Bissau.

WDN