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AFCON 2025
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Nigerian-born striker George Ilenikhena has opened up on his relationship with ex-Manchester United and Juventus star Paul Pogba
Paul Pogba’s long-awaited path back to competitive football has given AS Monaco an unexpected emotional boost.
And according to Nigerian-born forward George Ilenikhena, the World Cup winner looks more motivated than ever as he edges closer to a possible return.
Ilenikhena describes Pogba’s hunger, influence and impact in training
With Pogba absent from competitive action for more than two years due to a doping ban, Monaco had not counted on his presence this season.
But inside the camp, optimism is growing. Ilenikhena says Pogba already looks sharp, composed and eager to contribute, even if only for a few minutes at Roazhon Park.
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“Paul is very hungry,” the 19-year-old said. “You can see he wants to play and get back on the pitch quickly after this long absence. He still has his technique and that passing quality he hasn’t lost. He calms the game like before and helps us a lot, especially the younger ones.”
The teenager added that he has already scored “a few” goals from Pogba’s training-ground assists. For Ilenikhena, that mentorship fits naturally into a journey marked by big European moments.
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The Lagos-born striker famously scored against Barcelona twice in the Champions League for two different clubs: first for Royal Antwerp in December 2023, then again for Monaco in September 2024.
Teen striker ready to shoulder responsibility at Monaco
Away from Pogba’s comeback story, Ilenikhena also addressed Monaco’s immediate challenge: recovering from a bruising 4–1 defeat to Lens.
After 12 matchdays, Monaco sit sixth, two points ahead of Rennes, and Saturday’s trip to Brittany carries significant weight with Ligue 1 McDonald’s resuming. The loss to Lens was made worse by a late red card to Folarin Balogun, forcing manager Adi Hütter to rethink his attacking structure for the Rennes clash.
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Balogun’s suspension opens a pathway for Ilenikhena, who says he is ready to step up. “I’m ready,” he told reporters. “I work every day to be in the best possible shape when the coach calls on me.
“This weekend, Balo is suspended, so it will surely come down to Mika Biereth or me. The competition is good and healthy, and I’m ready for it.”
The teenager also hopes to shed his reputation as a “super-sub,” insisting his goal now is to prove he can influence matches from the first whistle.