MOTM Ilenikhena happy to end Al-Ittihad’s losing run

Super Eagles striker George Ilenikhena has expressed delight after helping Al-Ittihad end their losing run with a 4-1 victory over Al-Ettifaq in the Saudi Pro League, saying the team responded positively to their recent setbacks, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Ilenikhena played a key role in Tuesday’s victory, scoring a goal and providing an assist to earn the official Man of the Match award as Al-Ittihad returned to winning ways after two consecutive defeats.

“It is very important for us to win this game after losing two games. It is very important to react, and we reacted in the best way, so we are very happy,” Ilenikhena told the Saudi press.

The Nigerian-born forward was unavailable for Al-Ittihad’s 3-2 defeat to Al-Hilal in the Saudi El Clasico on October 10 due to fitness concerns before returning from a minor injury in their subsequent 2-1 loss to Shabab Al-Ahli.

Against Al-Ettifaq, the former Monaco forward played for 73 minutes before making way for Youssef En-Nesyri, who scored twice late in the game to seal the victory.

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Reacting to his substitution, Ilenikhena stressed that every player had a responsibility to contribute to the team’s success, regardless of their role.

“The coach changed. Everybody will help the team in the best way he can. It is what we did today that we won,” he added.

The performance extended Ilenikhena’s impressive run of form, with the striker having scored or provided an assist in each of his last four Saudi Pro League appearances.

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