George Ilenikhena scored and set up a goal as Al-Ittihad thrashed Al-Ettifaq 4-1 in the Saudi Pro League. The Super Eagles striker said the team reacted in the best way after recent defeats.
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George Ilenikhena scored and set up a goal as Al-Ittihad thrashed Al-Ettifaq 4-1 in the Saudi Pro League on Tuesday. The Super Eagles striker was named Man of the Match at the Al-Ettifaq Club Stadium.
Ilenikhena opened the scoring in the 16th minute with a powerful first-time left-footed finish from a Richard Rios backheel. Al-Ettifaq equalised in the 34th minute through Sultan Ali Harun, before Al-Ittihad regained the lead eight minutes into the second half.
Ilenikhena was the provider for that second goal, setting up Houssem Aouar. Substitute Youssef En-Nesyri then scored twice, in the 80th and 85th minutes, to complete the win. Fans following Saudi football can check the Bet9ja promo code of the day before the next round.
Ilenikhena left the pitch in the 73rd minute, replaced by En-Nesyri. Speaking to the Saudi press afterwards, he stressed how important it was to bounce back after losing previous games, saying “we reacted in the best way.”
He also spoke about the team’s mindset, saying the coach had changed and that everybody wants to help the team in the best way they can. Coach Jens Wissing credited his substitutions for the win, singling out En-Nesyri’s two goals.
Ilenikhena has now scored or assisted in each of his last four Saudi Pro League games. Across all competitions, he has seven goals and three assists in 11 appearances this season. New Bet9ja users can claim Bet9ja’s YOHAIG new-customer code.
It is a rapid rise for a player who made six substitute appearances last season without scoring. He first caught the eye with a brace in the King Cup against Al-Najma on August 18, and later scored twice against Al-Nassr on September 5.
The result lifts Al-Ittihad to fourth in the table with 20 points, five behind leaders Al-Qadsiah. Al-Ettifaq drop to eighth with 15 points from 10 matches.
The biggest question now is consistency. Ilenikhena has the movement and finishing to trouble any defence, and Al-Ittihad will lean on him if they are to close the gap on Al-Qadsiah.
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📌 Did You Know?
- Ilenikhena joined Al-Ittihad from Monaco.
- Al-Ettifaq are coached by Arthur Papas.
- En-Nesyri joined Al-Ittihad from Fenerbahce.
- Al-Ittihad were the defending champions in 2024/25 but lost the 2025/26 title to Al-Nassr.
- Before En-Nesyri’s brace, Ilenikhena was level with Steven Bergwijn and En-Nesyri as Al-Ittihad’s joint-top league scorers on five goals.
- On August 21, Ilenikhena scored a long-range goal to secure a 1-0 win over Al-Qadsiah, with Al-Ittihad down to 10 men.
