France have taken the lead in the quest to win the international future of 18 year forward George Ilenikhena who is also eligible for Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria understands......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Born in Lagos to Nigerian parent, the forward arrived France at the age of 3 making eligible to represent both nations at any level, although he is yet to be capped.
Like we exclusively reported, the interim coach of the senior national team of Nigeria Austine Eguavoen spoke with the forward last year while he was at Belgium side Antwerp in a bid to convince him that his future lies with the Super Eagles.
He moved to Ligue 1 giants Monaco in the summer, and stole the show in their shock UCL win over Barcelona, where he scored following his introduction as a second half substitute in the game.
Another approach was made to cap him for the senior national team of Nigeria but he asked for more time, but it appears he has his mind set on pursuing an international career with the French national team.
According to France publication RMC , the technical director of the football federation Hubert Fournier has already started the process of naturalization that will see him get a French passport, and a call up to their U21.
The move according to the publication was done in agreement with the player, who gave the go ahead after talks with Fournier, who outlined their plans for him, detailing the plan that could see him represent the senior national side in the nearest future.