AS Monaco has signed 17-year-old forward George Ilenikhena from Royale Antwerp for €20 million after a standout season. Born in Lagos but raised in France, Ilenikhena scored 14 goals in 50 appearances. He’s the latest Nigerian to join Monaco, following a tradition of notable players.
AS Monaco has secured the services of 17-year-old forward George Ilenikhena from Royale Antwerp for a reported €20 million. The deal, pending a medical examination, marks a significant move for the young Nigerian star, who has impressed with his performance in the Belgian Pro League.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ilenikhena relocated to France as a child, which allowed him to become eligible for both French and Nigerian national teams. He joined Antwerp from Amiens SC in the summer of 2023 for around €6 million and has since made a notable impact, scoring 14 goals in 50 appearances during the 2023-24 season.
Monaco's decision to acquire Ilenikhena reflects his rising star in European football. His playing style, marked by speed, technical skill, and goal-scoring ability, has drawn comparisons to French footballer Kylian Mbappe, whom Ilenikhena admires. This move to Monaco follows in the footsteps of several Nigerian players who have previously represented the club, such as Victor Ikpeba and Henry Onyekuru.
Despite representing France at youth levels since 2021, Ilenikhena has the option to switch his international allegiance to Nigeria, adding an intriguing layer to his future prospects. As Monaco prepares to integrate this talented forward into their squad, expectations are high for his continued success in French football.
