Osimhen, Haaland lead list of most valuable stars yet to play at World Cup

Nigeria and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has been listed among the most valuable footballers in world football yet to play at a FIFA World Cup, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Super Eagles will not be at the 2026 World Cup after losing the continental playoffs final against DR Congo in November. After also missing out of the World Cup in 2022, Nigeria will see a generation of elite talents fail to showcase their quality at football’s biggest festival.

Alongside Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Calvin Bassey, Victor Boniface and Ola Aina are some of Nigeria’s finest stars that have never appeared at the World Cup.

A proven goalscorer at the highest level, the focal point of Nigeria’s attack and Nigeria’s most valuable player in history, Osimhen is the greatest miss.

And according to Transfermarkt, the former Napoli forward is currently the fourth most valuable player yet to play at the World Cup. With a record market value of €120 million, Osimhen comes behind only Erling Haaland, Florian Wirtz, and Alexander Isak on that list.

Interestingly, Germany, Sweden, and Norway have all qualified for the next edition of the Mundial to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Should Wirtz, Isak, and Haaland make their first World Cup appearance in the summer, Osimhen will climb to the top of the list.

Osimhen’s absence from the World Cup is not due to lack of quality. Instead, it is a reflection of Nigeria’s struggles in qualification campaigns in recent years. The Super Eagles came close to reaching thia edition but fell short in a decisive tie, leaving their star forward watching from the sidelines once again.

Osimhen’s impact for Nigeria since his debut

While a World Cup appearance continues to elude him, Osimhen’s influence for Nigeria has been clear and consistent since his debut in June 2017.

He has grown into the team’s main attacking figure, becoming one of the most reliable goalscorers in the country’s history. With 35 goals in 46 appearances, he is already the second-highest scorer Nigeria has produced, closing in on the long-standing record held by Rashidi Yekini.

Beyond the numbers, his importance is reflected in how Nigeria perform with and without him. When Osimhen plays, the team looks sharper, more direct, and more dangerous in attack. His goals and overall contribution account for a significant share of Nigeria’s attacking output in recent years.

At major tournaments, he has also delivered. During the recent Africa Cup of Nations campaigns, Osimhen played a key role in driving Nigeria deep into the competition. His movement, pressing, and ability to occupy defenders created opportunities not just for himself but also for teammates.

Tactically, he offers more than just finishing. His pace and physical strength force defenders into mistakes, while his aerial ability gives Nigeria a constant threat from crosses and long balls. He also leads from the front with relentless pressing, often setting the tone for the team’s defensive work.

Individually, Osimhen’s rise has been recognised at the highest level. He was named African Footballer of the Year in 2023, becoming the first Nigerian to win the award in over two decades.

For now, the missing piece in his international career remains a World Cup appearance. But judging by his impact, consistency, and growing legacy, there is little doubt that Osimhen has already established himself as one of Nigeria’s most important players of his generation, even without football’s biggest stage.