Super Eagles striker Ilenikhena names Okocha and Osimhen as his role models

Super Eagles striker George Ilenikhena revealed that Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and Victor Osimhen are his two Nigerian football role models. The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad forward made the comment after scoring his debut goal for Nigeria in a 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar on Friday, September 25, 2026. Ilenikhena said he grew up watching Okocha’s highlights and now admires Osimhen’s current impact on the pitch.

He also pledged to keep working hard for the team ahead of the Super Eagles’ next fixture against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, stating he will always strive to do his best to remain in the squad.

The mention of two generations of Nigerian stars—Okocha from the 1990s-2000s era and Osimhen, the current African Footballer of the Year—shows how young players are drawing inspiration from both past legends and present heroes. Ilenikhena’s commitment signals his intent to establish himself as a regular squad member as Nigeria prepares for the AFCON qualifiers.

Who are the football figures that motivate you, and how do they influence your own ambitions in sports or other pursuits?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/09/27/super-eagles-george-ilenikhena-names-his-two-nigerian-role-models/