In preparation for their campaign in the UEFA Champions League Belgium champions Antwerp have added 16 year old Nigerian striker George Ilenikhena to their squad after reaching agreement with his French side Amiens, Owngoalnigeria.com reports.
Ilenikhena is expected to arrive in Belgium today to meet with the team officials and also have a routine medical ahead of his unveiling. He becomes the first signing of the surprise champions of the league in Belgium.
The Lagos born forward came into limelight last season when he scored for scored for Amiens in their 1-1 draw against Bordeaux. The goal made him the first player born in 2006 to score in one of the top two leagues in England, France, Germany, Italy or Spain.
That goal earned him a regular run in the side but he only added only one more goal from the 15 he played. He however showed enough promise to tempt Antwerp into luring him from the French side.
He is expected to sign a five year deal and will be the second Nigerian on the books of the club with Alhassan Yusuf, the other Nigerian at the club. Ilenikhena is eligible for Nigeria and France but hasn’t been capped by any of the country at any international level.
Coach of the Nigeria U20 team Ladan Bosso tried to have him in his U20 team for the U20 World Cup but the timing of the tournament made it impossible for him to be released by his team.
Daniel Martins
