Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has emerged as the most valuable Nigerian footballer, according to the latest update by Transfermarkt. The 24-year-old, who won the Serie A Golden Boot and the Ballon d’Or in 2023, is valued at €120 million, making him one of the most expensive players in the world.
Osimhen is followed by his compatriot Victor Boniface, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen in Germany. The 22-year-old forward has been a revelation in the Bundesliga, scoring 25 goals and assisting 12 in 32 appearances. He is valued at €40 million by Transfermarkt.
The third most valuable Nigerian player is Taiwo Awoniyi, who also plies his trade in Germany with Union Berlin. The former Liverpool player has consistently performed for his club, netting 18 goals and providing eight assists in 29 games. He is valued at €30 million by Transfermarkt.
Other notable names on the list include Ademola Lookman, who plays for Leicester City in England; Samuel Chukwueze, who plays for Villarreal in Spain; and Alex Iwobi, who plays for Everton in England. They are valued at €30 million, €25 million, and €28 million, respectively.
The list of Nigeria’s most valuable players is based on their market values as estimated by Transfermarkt, a website that tracks the performance and transfer activities of footballers across the globe. The values are updated regularly based on various factors such as age, contract duration, form, and potential.
The list reflects the rising profile of Nigerian footballers in the international scene, as they have been attracting interest from top clubs and leagues. Nigeria has also qualified for the 2024 FIFA World Cup in Colombia, where they will face Argentina, Sweden, and Iran in Group F.
Nigeria’s national team coach, José Peseiro, has expressed confidence in his squad, saying they have the talent and experience to compete with any team. He said he would rely on Osimhen, Boniface, and Awoniyi to lead the attack and score goals for the Super Eagles.
Nigeria’s fans are also optimistic about their chances at the World Cup, hoping their star players will shine and make history for their country. They believe that Nigeria has the potential to reach the knockout stages and even go further than their previous best of reaching the round of 16.
Source: Sun News Online
