Nigerian duo Moses Simon and George Ilenikhena had contrasting emotions on Saturday night, despite both delivering goal contributions for their respective teams in Ligue 1.
Moses Simon delivered an assist in an individual standout performance, but 10-man Nantes suffered a crushing Ligue 1 defeat away to AS Monaco, footballrover reports.
George Ilenikhena came on as a substitute to deliver the last two goals of the contest.
While Simon set up Nantes’ only goal, Ilenikhena bagged a late brace as Monaco stormed to a dominant 7-1 victory at Stade Louis II.
Moses Simon’s assist not enough as Nantes collapses early
Moses Simon wasted no time making an impact, providing a precise cutback for Matthis Abline, who slotted home in the fourth minute to give Nantes an early lead.
However, the advantage was short-lived as Monaco capitalised on a red card to Nicolas Cozza just four minutes later, shifting the momentum entirely.
Despite Simon’s creative brilliance, his team crumbled under relentless pressure from the hosts.
By halftime, Monaco had turned the game around, leading 2-1 courtesy of goals from Mika Biereth and Takumi Minamino.
The floodgates opened in the second half, leaving Simon and his teammates helpless against the onslaught.
Simon now sits atop the Ligue 1 assists chart with seven, tied with Joao Neves:
Most Assists in Ligue 1 (2024-25 Season)
Moses Simon—7
Joao Neves—7
Rayan Cherki—6
Gaetan Perrin—6
Ludovic Blas—6
George Ilenikhena’s late brace seals Monaco’s rampage
With Monaco already in full control, 18-year-old George Ilenikhena added the final touches to a ruthless display.
The Nigerian forward, introduced in the second half, found the net twice in the closing minutes.
He first headed home Caio Henrique’s cross before firing in a composed finish off Al Musrati’s assist with the last kick of the game.
Ilenikhena’s double took his Ligue 1 tally to three this season as he keeps building on his little reputation as a clinical young talent.
Monaco’s emphatic victory propelled them back into the top three, while Nantes, now just three points above the relegation playoff spot, must regroup quickly to avoid many more setbacks.
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