NIGERIAN youngster George Ilenikhena has become Monaco’s first signing of this summer, joining from Royal Antwerp.
The French Ligue 1 club confirmed the arrival of the 17-year-old striker today with an official statement.
“AS Monaco is delighted to announce the arrival of striker George Ilenikhena from Royal Antwerp,” the 2016/2017 French champions announced on their official website.
“Born in Lagos (Nigeria) in 2006, George Ilenikhena arrived in France at the age of three, in Antony (Hauts-de-Seine), where he began his career as a young footballer.
“Recruited by Amiens in 2021, he began his career in Picardy with the U-17s and then the U-19s, before joining the pro squad at just 16.
“George Ilenikhena played his first minutes in the French Cup in November 2022, and made a remarkable league debut for the Picardy club a few months later.
“His goal against Bordeaux (1-1 on January 13, 2023) made him Ligue 2’s youngest ever goalscorer.
“His performances (17 matches, two goals in his first season) earned him a transfer in the summer of 2023 to Royal Antwerp, who had just been crowned champions and winners of the Belgian Cup.”
Ilenikhena scored against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League last season and recorded eight goals in 37 Belgian Pro League appearances.
The young Nigerian is the only player born in 2006 or later to score more than five goals across the top 10 European leagues, according to Opta statistics.
Ilenikhena joins a host of Nigerian stars to have featured for his new club, including ‘Prince of Monaco’ Victor Ikpeba, Sani Kaita, Lukman Haruna, Rabiu Afolabi and Elderson Echiejile.
