George Ilenikhena made the difference on Saturday night as his late strike handed AS Monaco a dramatic 2-1 win over Auxerre in Ligue 1.

The Super Eagles prospect came off the bench and needed just 11 minutes to score his first goal of the season, sealing back-to-back victories for Monaco, Footballrover reports.

George Ilenikhena’s Impact for Monaco

The 19-year-old Nigerian forward replaced Mika Biereth in the 78th minute and rose highest to meet Vanderson’s cross with a powerful header.

His decisive strike marked his first goal in three appearances this season. Last campaign, he netted three times in 23 outings, but this early breakthrough suggests a stronger year ahead.

Playing in heavy rain at the Stade de l’Abbé-Deschamps, Les Bleu et Blanc created early chances through Danny Namaso and Lassine Sinayoko but failed to convert.

Auxerre Push Hard but Fall Short

Takumi Minamino’s opener for Monaco before halftime gave the visitors hope, though Josué Casimir’s red card left Les Bleu et Blanc fighting uphill.

A deflected own goal from Mohammed Salisu levelled the score for the hosts, but Ilenikhena’s late finish crushed their comeback hopes.

Les Bleu et Blanc have now lost three straight league matches, while Monaco climbed level with PSG and Lyon on nine points at the top.

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Last Updated on September 13, 2025 11:33 pm by footballrover