Lagos-born AS Monaco forward George Ilenikhena has made UEFA Champions League history by becoming the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition, surpassing a record previously held by former Nigeria international Nwankwo Kanu, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Now 49, Kanu went on to score five goals and register 13 assists in 60 Champions League appearances. Ilenikhena was born in Lagos on August 16, 2006, and relocated to France at the age of three. During this period, he also became Monaco’s youngest-ever goalscorer in the Champions League, breaking a club record previously held by Kylian Mbappé. This season, Ilenikhena has featured in 14 Ligue 1 matches, scoring two goals.

Source: Punch January 22, 2026 04:31 UTC