Monaco defender Mohammed Salisu believes Nigerian teen sensation George Ilenikhena will be an important figure for the club in the upcoming 2024/25 season.
Ilenikhena returned to France this summer when he sealed a big-money move from Royal Antwerp to Monaco. The 17-year-old enjoyed an impressive campaign in Belgium, where he scored 14 goals in all competitions last season.
His form attracted interest from some clubs across Europe, but Monaco ultimately won the race for his signature, snapping him up in a deal worth up to €20 million.
Ilenikhena’s move to the Ligue 1 side saw him become the seventh Nigerian to play for Monaco after Victor Ikpeba, Lukman Haruna, Sani Kaita, Rabiu Afolabi, Elderson Echiejile and Henry Onyekuru.
Salisu ready to guide Ilenikhena in the right direction
While the striker is still very young, he has huge potential and has already made a good impression in pre-season after scoring in Monaco’s friendly matches against Feyenoord and Genoa.
Salisu has been impressed by how quickly Ilenikhena has settled into his new surroundings and has tipped the teenager to make a great impact. The Ghanaian defender, however, believes the striker needs all the help and motivation he can get to blossom into the best version of himself.
“He is a great player, coming off a great season in Belgium. He scored on his debut and I am sure he will contribute a lot. We have to help him, because he is young. We have to motivate him and guide him in the right direction,” Salisu told Mundo Deportivo.
Ilenikhena was born in Lagos but grew up in France, where he rose through the ranks at Antony Football Evolution before joining Ligue 2 side Amiens. The teenager was dubbed by scouts as ‘the next elite number 9’ during his time in Belgium before joining Monaco.
