Super Eagles forward George Ilenikhena continued his impressive run in Saudi Arabia, finding the net for the second consecutive game as Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Diriyah 2-0.
The striker opened the scoring in the 30th minute of their Saudi Pro League matchday 11 encounter at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Jeddah, three days after recording a goal and an assist in a 4-1 victory over Al-Ettifaq.
Ilenikhena reacted quickest to a rebound after goalkeeper parried Rios’ effort, with VAR confirming the goal. Georginio Wijnaldum later converted a penalty in the 77th minute to secure the win.
Al-Ittihad brought on Youssef En-Nesyri and Dion Lopy after the interval, while Al-Diriyah introduced Darwin Nunez but failed to find a breakthrough. The victory moved Al-Ittihad to fourth with 21 points, as they pursue league leaders Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.
Ilenikhena was named Man of the Match against Al-Ettifaq on Tuesday before making way for En-Nesyri after 73 minutes. The substitute went on to score twice late in the game, ending Al-Ittihad’s two-match losing streak against Al-Hilal and Shabab Al-Ahli.
The former Monaco attacker had missed the first fixture due to fitness concerns before returning from a minor injury for the second.
“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,” he told the Saudi press.
Ilenikhena has now registered a goal or assist in each of his last five league appearances, recording eight goals and three assists across eight starts this season.
The forward has featured in 12 matches for Al-Ittihad across all competitions, including one appearance as a substitute.
