European football governing body UEFA has confirmed that the duo of George Ilenikhena of French side Monaco and Honest Ahanor of Italy were registered for the Champions League with Nigerian passport.
Last week the football body posted that Ilenikhena has smashed the record set by his fellow Nigerian Kanu Nwankwo in the tournament’s history by becoming the youngest African player to reach 15 appearances in the competition.
Ilenikhena achieved the milestone at the age of 19 years and 157 days following his 18-minute appearance for Monaco in their 6-1 defeat to Real Madrid on Tuesday.
“George Ilenikhena makes history. Youngest African player to reach 15 UCL games,” UEFA announced on Wednesday.
In a post about the nationality of players who have played in the group stages as the tournament comes to an end, UEFA used the international passport of the players to determine their country.
17 year old Atalanta defender Ahanor was classed as a Nigerian, and he has so far made five appearances in the tournament in what is his first season with the team.
However both players have so far shunned approaches to play for Nigeria, insisting on waiting to get the passport of the country where they are plying their trade at the moment.
