Ilenikhena starts as Nigeria name team for Madagascar match
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has handed George Ilenikhena his Super Eagles debut in the starting line-up against Madagascar. Stanley Nwabali returns in goal, while Ola Aina and Samuel Chukwueze also start; Wilfred Ndidi is set to make his 80th appearance, according to Channels Television.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has named George Ilenikhena in the starting line-up for the Super Eagles’ match against Madagascar, handing the forward his debut, Channels Television reports. Stanley Nwabali starts in goal. The defence consists of Ola Aina, Bruno Onyemaechi, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, while Wilfred Ndidi is included in midfield and is set to make his 80th appearance for Nigeria.
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi are among the other selected attacking and midfield options. Adams is also listed in the starting XI. Aina’s selection marks his return after he last played for Nigeria in September 2025, when he was forced off early in a World Cup qualifying match against South Africa with a hamstring injury.
The substitutes include Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Benjamin Fredrick, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Nwafor Nwaiwu, Maduka Okoye, Fernandez, Isaac, Moses Simon, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika. Chelle had said before the match that the opening game would be important for the campaign’s momentum. He also acknowledged Madagascar’s threat, referring to the island nation’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations victory over Nigeria.
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