){kind=small}
NPFL){kind=small}
KWA
){kind=small}
DPH
){kind=small}
LaLiga){kind=logo}
LEV
){kind=logo}
VIL
){kind=small}
Serie A){kind=small}
MIL
){kind=small}
COMO
){kind=small}
Premier){kind=logo}
WOL
){kind=small}
ARS
){kind=small}
Bundesl){kind=logo}
M05
){kind=logo}
HSV
){kind=logo}
SAS
){kind=small}
VER
){kind=small}
Ligue 1){kind=small}
B29
){kind=small}
OM
){kind=small}
ATH
){kind=logo}
ELC
){kind=small}
RSO
){kind=logo}
OVI
){kind=logo}
JUV
){kind=logo}
KOE
){kind=logo}
TSG
){kind=small}
FCB
){kind=logo}
SGE
){kind=logo}
FCU
){kind=logo}
B04
){kind=logo}
WOB
){kind=logo}
FCA
){kind=small}
AVL
){kind=logo}
LEE
){kind=small}
BRE
){kind=logo}
BHA
){kind=logo}
CHE
){kind=small}
BUR
){kind=logo}
BET
){kind=small}
RAY
){kind=logo}
LENS
){kind=small}
ASM
){kind=logo}
LEC
){kind=small}
INT
AFCON 2025
)
George Ilenikhena has etched his name into Champions League history by shattering Nwankwo Kanu's long-standing record to become the youngest African player to reach 15 UEFA Champions League appearances at just 19 years old.
While Monaco suffered a bruising 6-1 demolition at the hands of a ruthless Real Madrid on Tuesday night, one Nigerian teenager walked off the Santiago Bernabeu pitch having marked his name into the history books.
At just 19 years and 157 days old, George Ilenikhena officially became the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the UEFA Champions League.
)
12:49 - 04.01.2026
Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu has named former Arsenal forwards Nwankwo Kanu and Emmanuel Adebayor as his role models in football.
)
16:18 - 29.12.2025
AFCON 2025: ‘It just happened’ - Onyeka speaks on Ndidi replicating Kanu’s Olympics ‘96 celebration
Frank Onyeka has commented on Wilfred Ndidi's goal and his subsequent celebration, which paid homage to Nwankwo Kanu's legendary moment at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.
In doing so, he eclipsed a record held for decades by the legendary Nwankwo Kanu, who reached the milestone with Ajax at 19 years and 260 days.
Despite the heavy scoreline, the significance of the moment wasn't lost on fans, who took to social media to crown the young striker as the next big thing in African football.
)
‘Special Company’ — Fans react to the changing of guard
The comparison to Papilo himself sparked a wave of nostalgia and excitement. For many, breaking a record held by a cult hero like Kanu is the ultimate stamp of approval for a young Nigerian talent.
One fan could not hide their awe, noting that "George is really making moves in the UCL scene," while others were quick to shower him with praise, simply stating, "Congrats on the big achievement" for such a historic feat.
)
For the older generation, the news was a bittersweet reminder of the past, with one supporter remarking, "I still remember the legendary Kanu," even as they admitted that Ilenikhena looks like a "legend in the making."
Beyond the stats, the fans pointed out that Ilenikhena’s record is proof of his maturity. You don't play 15 games on Europe's biggest stage by accident; you do it because the biggest coaches in the world trust your ability.
One deep-dive reaction perfectly captured the mood:
"That is special company to be in. Breaking a record held by Kanu tells you everything. Playing that many Champions League games at that age is not luck; it means coaches trust you on the biggest stage. The scary part is he still looks like he is learning. This feels like the start, not the peak."
)
Match Snapshot: A tough night at the Bernabeu
The record-breaking moment came in the 73rd minute when Ilenikhena was introduced for fellow Nigerian striker Folarin Balogun. By then, the damage had been done.
Kylian Mbappe haunted his former club with a clinical brace, supported by goals from Franco Mastantuono and Vinicius Junior.
)
The Consolation: Teammate Jordan Teze pulled one back for Monaco to make it 5-1, but the glimmer of hope was short-lived.
The Final Blow: Jude Bellingham wrapped up the 6-1 rout late on, celebrating with a "drinking" gesture that poked fun at recent media rumours.
What this means for Ilenikhena
While Monaco’s UCL campaign took a massive hit in Madrid, Ilenikhena’s stock continues to rise.
Following in the footsteps of Kanu, who went on to win the trophy with Ajax, the young Nigerian is now the standard-bearer for African prodigies in Europe.
)
He isn't just a prospect" anymore; he is a history-maker.