Nigeria has long been a breeding ground for exceptional footballing talent, consistently producing players who grace the biggest leagues in the world.
This rich vein of ability is reflected in the current crop of Nigerian footballers, with several commanding high transfer fees and starring roles for their clubs.
This list explores the top 10 most valuable Nigerian players in 2024, according to Transfermarkt. It features a blend of established names like Victor Osimhen with exciting young talent like Victor Boniface, who is making waves in the German Bundesliga. Together, they represent the depth and promise that Nigerian football continues to offer on the global stage.
1. Victor Osimhen (€100.00m) – Napoli
Leading the pack is the prolific Victor Osimhen. The Napoli center-forward's combination of speed, skill, and finishing prowess has not only earned him a €100.00m market value but also attracted the attention of top European clubs.
2. Victor Boniface (€40.00m) – Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Sharing second spot is Victor Boniface, a young striker making waves at Bayer Leverkusen. Boniface's €40.00m market value reflects his potential, and his impressive goalscoring form this season was instrumental in Leverkusen's journey to a Bundesliga title and DFB-Pokal victory.
2. Ademola Lookman (€40.00m) – Atalanta BC
Ademola Lookman joins Boniface in the second spot. This versatile attacker's flair and creativity have been on display for Atalanta BC, propelling him to a €40.00m market value. Lookman's stellar 2023/2024 season solidified his status as a top talent, attracting interest from across Europe.
4. Taiwo Awoniyi (€28.00m) – Nottingham Forest
The powerful center-forward, Taiwo Awoniyi, occupies fourth place with a market value of €28.00m. Despite battling injuries throughout his career, Awoniyi's clinical finishing whenever fit makes him a valuable asset for Nottingham Forest and sees him held in high regard.
5. Alex Iwobi (€25.00m) – Fulham FC
Fulham FC's midfield maestro, Alex Iwobi, takes the fifth spot with a market value of €25.00m. Iwobi's technical ability and creative vision are crucial for both club and country, making him a key figure in their attacking strategies.
5. Terem Moffi (€25.00m) – OGC Nice
Sharing fifth position of the most valuable Nigerian players is Terem Moffi, a young center-forward terrorizing Ligue 1 defenses with OGC Nice. Moffi's €25.00m market value reflects his impressive goalscoring record, etching his name in Ligue 1 history as the youngest player on the all-time list of highest-scoring Nigerians in the league.
7. Nathan Tella (€23.00m) – Bayer 04 Leverkusen
Another rising star from Bayer Leverkusen, Nathan Tella, secures the seventh spot with a market value of €23.00m. This young winger is quickly gaining recognition for his blistering pace and pinpoint crossing ability, playing a significant role in Leverkusen's historic Bundesliga title win.
8. Samuel Chukwueze (€20.00m) – AC Milan
AC Milan's winger, Samuel Chukwueze, brings flair to the list as the eighth most valuable Nigerian player with a market value of €20.00m. A fan favorite known for his dazzling dribbling skills and creativity, Chukwueze is a constant threat on the right flank, injecting excitement into every match.
10. Wilfred Ndidi (€16.00m) – Leicester City
The defensive rock, Wilfred Ndidi, anchors the list at number nine with a market value of €16.00m. Ndidi's tough tackling and intelligent playmaking make him a vital cog in Leicester City's midfield, providing a strong defensive shield and initiating attacks with his distribution.
10. Calvin Bassey (€16.00m) – Fulham FC
Rounding out the list is Fulham FC's center-back, Calvin Bassey, who shares the ninth spot's market value of €16.00m. Bassey's leadership qualities and defensive abilities make him a vital player for his team.
