AS Monaco has a long tradition of working with talent from across Africa. Over the years, several Nigerians have worn the red-and-white jersey at the Stade Louis II. Some made history, some left their mark, and others showed promise before moving on.
In this article, Footynaija.com ranks the top 3 Nigerian players in AS Monaco’s history, based on their performances, legacy, and overall contribution to the club.
3. Elderson Echiejile
Elderson arrived at Monaco in January 2014 from Braga. The left-back featured in 37 matches across competitions and scored once during his stay.
He was part of the squad that finished second in Ligue 1 in the 2013–14 season, pushing Paris Saint-Germain all the way. He also featured in Monaco’s 2014–15 UEFA Champions League run.
Injuries and competition for places reduced his involvement, and he later went out on multiple loans, including to Standard Liège and Sivasspor. Still, Elderson contributed to Monaco’s early return to European football and showed solid defensive discipline whenever called upon.
2. Lukman Haruna
Lukman Haruna joined Monaco after helping Nigeria win the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Highly rated at the time, he progressed from the youth team into the first team and played 44 matches, scoring three goals from midfield between 2009 and 2011.
Known for his long-range efforts and creativity in midfield, Haruna showed glimpses of brilliance, especially in a struggling Monaco side. Although Monaco were eventually relegated in 2011, Haruna had done enough to earn a move to Dynamo Kyiv, and remains one of the more technically gifted Nigerians to pass through the club.
1. Victor Ikpeba
Victor Ikpeba is without question the most successful Nigerian to ever play for AS Monaco. Signed in 1993 from RFC Liège, the forward spent six strong years in France, scoring over 55 goals in 170 appearances for the club.
Ikpeba was a key player in Monaco’s 1996–97 Ligue 1 title under Jean Tigana and played a huge role in the club’s 1997–98 Champions League semi-final run, where they famously eliminated Manchester United. His form that season saw him win the CAF African Footballer of the Year award in 1997.
Nicknamed The Prince of Monaco, Ikpeba is still fondly remembered for his pace, finishing, and maturity on and off the ball. His success at Monaco opened doors for more Nigerians in Ligue 1 and stands today as the benchmark for any Nigerian forward in France.