Nigerian Teenager George Ilenikhena Makes Champions League History for AS Monaco with Decisive Goal Against Barcelona

Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena, at just 18 years old, made Champions League history for AS Monaco by scoring in their 2-1 victory over Barcelona.

This remarkable feat not only secured a win for his team but also saw Ilenikhena become the youngest player to score for Monaco in the Champions League, breaking the previous record held by Kylian Mbappe.

The match, held at Monaco's home ground, saw the hosts take an early lead through Maghnes Akliouche.

Barcelona, despite being reduced to 10 men following Eric Garcia's red card for a professional foul on Takumi Minamino, managed to equalize with a goal from their teenage sensation, Lamine Yamal. However, Ilenikhena's decisive goal in the 71st minute ensured Monaco's triumph, marking a memorable debut for the young Nigerian.

Monaco celebrated this historic moment, highlighting Ilenikhena's achievement on social media with the phrase "Naija to the world," emphasizing the pride in his Nigerian heritage. This goal also marked Ilenikhena's second against Barcelona in the Champions League, having previously scored for Royal Antwerp in a dramatic win last season.