Balogun, who had scored in three consecutive matches, suffered a dislocated shoulder during the game against Rennes on October 5, which is expected to sideline him for approximately two months.
Monaco has 12 matches scheduled before the winter break, including a Champions League clash with Balogun’s former team, Arsenal.
Coach Adi Hütter is likely to assign Ilenikhena the responsibility of spearheading the attack, starting with the home match against Lille on Friday, where he aims to net his first league goal for Monaco.
Originally from Nigeria, Ilenikhena relocated to France at the age of three and began his football journey with local club Antony in the Paris suburbs. He later joined Amiens, competing in the second division of French football two seasons ago.
Last season, while playing for Royal Antwerp in Belgium, Ilenikhena found the net 14 times across all competitions, including a dramatic stoppage-time goal against Barcelona in the Champions League.
His performances at Antwerp showcased his ability to make deep runs and play with his back to goal, combined with a keen instinct in the penalty area.
Monaco had been monitoring Ilenikhena for some time before securing his services for 18.75 million euros ($20.4 million) during the offseason, primarily as a backup for Balogun.
Ilenikhena attracted interest from several clubs and had extensive discussions with Hütter before making his decision, expressing admiration for the vision Hütter laid out for him.
“Monaco is a very ambitious club, and I’m a very ambitious player,” Ilenikhena stated during his introduction. “I’ll embrace everything the coach offers, and I’ll be prepared whenever he calls upon me.”
So far this season, Ilenikhena's only goal was another decisive strike against Barcelona in the Champions League, showcasing his speed and finishing ability as he capitalized on a well-placed pass to score.
One week later, Ilenikhena skillfully created a scoring opportunity for Balogun in the French league.
He is now poised to take over the forward position.
A victory against fifth-placed Lille would put Monaco five points ahead of second-placed Paris Saint-Germain, prior to PSG’s home match against Strasbourg on Saturday.
Monaco and PSG remain the only unbeaten teams in the league, alongside Lens, which has recorded five draws in seven matches.