AS Monaco forward George Ilenikhena has become the youngest African player to make 15 appearances in the UEFA Champions League, surpassing a long-standing record previously held by Nigerian great Kanu Nwankwo.
The 19-year-old reached the landmark during Monaco’s 6-1 defeat to Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu on Tuesday night, coming on as a late substitute in a difficult outing for the French side.
At 19 years and 157 days, Ilenikhena eclipsed Kanu’s record, which had stood since the former Arsenal striker reached the same milestone at 19 years and 260 days.
Photo Credit: UCL/X
While the result offered little comfort for Monaco, the appearance marked another significant step in the rapid rise of one of Africa’s most promising young attackers.
Ilenikhena’s Champions League journey began at just 17, when he made his competition debut for Royal Antwerp against Barcelona.
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That campaign quickly gained momentum as he scored his first Champions League goal against the Spanish side, netting a dramatic late winner in a memorable 3-2 victory.
George Ilenikhena. Photo Credit: Imago
Following his move to Monaco, the teenager continued to make his mark on Europe’s elite competition. He once again found the net against Barcelona, scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 win, before adding a third Champions League strike in a 3-3 draw with Benfica.
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This season, however, opportunities in the Champions League have been limited. Ilenikhena has featured in three matches, totalling 51 minutes of playing time. Despite that, he has remained productive domestically, scoring two goals in Ligue 1 and two in the Coupe de France.
