Chelle Eyes Monaco Teen Wonder, Ilenikhena As Osimhen’s Replacement

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is ramping up his mission to reshape Nigeria’s national team, with teenage sensation George Ilenikhena emerging as a potential future star for the three-time African champions.

Chelle was spotted at the Stade Louis-II on Saturday during AS Monaco’s commanding 3-0 win over Olympique Marseille in Ligue 1.

According to Africa Foot United, the Franco-Malian tactician was in attendance specifically to observe 18-year-old Ilenikhena, the promising Nigerian-born striker who has steadily been gaining attention in Belgium and France.

The move comes as part of Chelle’s wider strategy to bolster his squad ahead of a packed calendar that includes the 2025 Unity Cup in London and crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers later this year.

One of those potential new faces is Ilenikhena, who played the final five minutes against Marseille on Saturday. He came off the bench to replace Breel Embolo, who had scored Monaco’s second goal of the game.