Head coach of France U21 Gérald Baticle was disappointed that 20 year old forward George Ilenikhena decided to pledge his international future to the senior national team of Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Ilenikhena was born in Nigeria but raised in France making him eligible for both countries, but he opted for the senior national team of Nigeria after a fine start to the season in Saudi Arabia with Al Ittihad.
He continued with his good form this season by scoring in his debut game for Nigeria in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers, but left for Baticle he would have been better off playing for the U21 of France during the last international break.
Baticle called up Ilenikhena alongside two others playing in Saudi Arabia in Valentin Atangana Edoa of Al Ahli and Nathan Zeze of Neon, but was told by the forward that he has already committed to Nigeria and won’t be making a u-turn.
The aforementioned duo went on to play for the France U21 in the 7-1 win over Switzerland in the U21 Euros qualification, around the same time when Ilenikhena made his senior debut for Nigeria.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
