AS Monaco striker George Ilenikhena has written his name into UEFA Champions League history by becoming the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition.
The Nigerian-French forward achieved the milestone during Monaco’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid on Tuesday, doing so at just 19 years and 157 days old.
UEFA confirmed the achievement on Wednesday, hailing the rise of the teenage sensation, who moved from Nigeria to France at the age of three. In a statement, the governing body said: “George Ilenikhena makes history — youngest African player to reach 15 UCL games.”
The previous record was held by Nigerian football legend Nwankwo Kanu, who set the mark in April 1996 while playing for Ajax during a semi-final victory over Panathinaikos.
Kanu went on to make 60 Champions League appearances, registering five goals a nd 13 assists, and lifting the prestigious trophy in 1995.
Although Ilenikhena’s career is still in its early stages, his rapid rise and consistency at Europe’s highest level point to a promising future on the continental and global stage.
