George Ilenikhena hopes his first goal for Nigeria will be the first of many, after marking his senior international debut with a goal in the Super Eagles' 2-1 win over Madagascar in their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.
The 20-year-old Al Ittihad forward scored Nigeria's equaliser in first-half stoppage time in Uyo, before fellow debutant Moses Usor completed the comeback in the second half.
"It is my first goal for Nigeria and I hope the first of many," Ilenikhena said in an interview released by the NFF Media team. "I will continue to do my best and hope the fans will be proud of me."
Ilenikhena, who was a surprise starter in Eric Chelles match day squad, said he was initially nervous, particularly after joining a squad containing several of Nigeria's established internationals. But the warm reception from his teammates helped him settle in quickly
"I am really happy and proud to represent Nigeria," he said. "It is a big thing for me to be here in my young career.
"I was a little bit shy to see some of the players, but they were very good guys and I was calm when I saw them and talked to them."
Ilenikhena said the pressure eased once he got onto the familiar surroundings of the football field: "I always try to do my best, play my game
"There was a little bit of pressure in the beginning, but when I get on the pitch, I always focus on what I need to do."
With Victor Osimhen unavailable through injury, Nigeria coach Eric Chelle handed Ilenikhena a start alongside Akor Adams, and he did not disappoint. Madagascar took the lead through Ehsan Kari after 15 minutes, leaving Nigeria chasing the game at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
That pressure was all he needed, as his breakthrough came just before halftime, when Alex Iwobi supplied a pass that sliced through the defence and sent Ilenikhena through to score the equaliser.
The forward was delighted about his goal, but said it was a bit unexpected for him to see it come so early in in his international career.
"As a striker, I always expect to score, so I was thinking about it, but I did not know that the goal would come so quick," Ilenikhena said. "I am really happy and proud to score the goal against Madagascar."
Nigeria completed the turnaround after halftime through another debutant. Usor came off the bench to score the winner, giving Chelle two goals from players making their first senior appearances for Nigeria.
Chelle said Nigeria's response after falling behind reflected the mentality he saw from his players. "The state of mind was good," Chelle said. "They gave everything for the jersey, for the country, and I was very happy."
For Ilenikhena, scoring on his debut has also increased his determination to remain part of Chelle's squad as competition for attacking places continues, especially with the team hoping to get away from their over dependence on Victor Osimhen for goals
"I will continue to work hard and do my best for the team on the pitch to always be in the team," he said.
Ilenikhena made his second Nigeria appearance four days later, coming off the bench in the 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau, certainly a less happy experience.