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Super Eagles hopeful George Ilenikhena played a crucial role off the bench, delivering a vital assist as Monaco secured a 3-2 victory over Brest in a Ligue 1 clash on Friday night.
The 18-year-old began the match on the bench for Monaco’s first game after the international break but made an immediate impact in the closing stages.
Monaco started strongly, with Maghnes Akliouche opening the scoring in the fifth minute. Aleksandr Golovin doubled the lead in the 24th minute, sending the hosts into halftime with a comfortable 2-0 advantage.
Brest came out fighting in the second half, with Abdallah Sima pulling one back in the 50th minute to give the visitors hope.
Despite Brest’s resurgence, Monaco kept up their attacking pressure. In stoppage time, Ilenikhena delivered a perfectly timed assist for Akliouche, who netted his second goal of the night to restore Monaco’s two-goal cushion.
The drama wasn’t over, as Ludovic Ajorque scored for Brest moments later to reduce the deficit to 3-2. However, Monaco held firm to secure the win.
Ilenikhena, who continues to impress at just 18, registered an assist, one shot on target, and made five touches during his cameo. He also delivered one key pass, completed two out of three attempted passes, and achieved a passing accuracy of 67%.
This season, Ilenikhena, eligible to represent both Nigeria and France, has contributed two goals and two assists for Monaco as he continues his impressive development in Ligue 1.
