The new format of the UEFA Champions League has started and Nigerian players have started making impact for themselves and their respective clubsides as well.
On Wednesday, Victor Olatunji became the first Nigerian player to score and assist on his Champions League debut as Sparta Prague beat Salzburg 3-0.
George Ilenikhena wrote his name in Monaco’s history books in the competition as he becomes the club’s youngest goalscorer in the competition.
The 18-year-old striker came on as a second half substitute as Monaco beat 10-man Barcelona 2-1 on Thursday night.
Ilenikhena scored from a one-man counter attack after he received a pass from deep leaving him isolated with only the goalkeeper to beat.
The young striker powered a left-footed striker strike into the roof of the net to give the home side the win on the 71st minute.
George Ilenikhena is now the club’s youngest player to score in the Champions League at the age of 18 years and 34 days old.
He erased Kylian Mbappe’s record. The French striker scored against Manchester City at 18 years and 63 days old in 2017.
