Sports News of Sunday, 24 August 2025
Source: www.dailytrust.com
The Super Eagles of Nigeria remain one of Africa’s most exciting and valuable national teams, thanks to a blend of established stars and emerging prospects spread across Europe’s elite leagues. Their market values are a direct reflection of form, consistency and rising reputations on the global stage.
It is important to note that before now, there were those who set the pace for the enhanced market value of Nigerian players in European football.
In 2004, Jay-Jay Okocha peaked at €13m, dazzling fans with flair and creativity, while Kanu Nwankwo stood at €7m, a reflection of his clinical finishing.
Victor Ikpeba, the “Prince of Monaco,” reached €750k, while Sunday Oliseh’s midfield authority earned him €1.8m in 2005.
Obafemi Martins, known for his blistering pace, soared to €16m in 2007. John Mikel Obi topped the list with €23m in 2013.
Legendary goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama also peaked at €4.5m in 2014, highlighting Nigeria’s all-round talent.
In August 2025, Nigeria’s combined squad valuation ranks among the highest in Africa, underlining the nation’s strength in depth ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Weekend Trust profiles the Super Eagles’ top stars, outlining their valuations and the qualities that underline their importance to club and country.
Victor Osimhen – €70m
Victor Osimhen remains the face of Nigerian football and the most marketable star in the squad. After completing a record-breaking €75m transfer to Galatasaray—the costliest signing in Turkish football history—he continues to command respect in Europe.
Once valued at over €100m during his Napoli days, Osimhen’s slight dip in market worth has not diminished his lethal reputation.
Ademola Lookman – €60m
Ademola Lookman’s rise has been meteoric. At Atalanta, he has transformed into one of Europe’s most electrifying forwards. His unforgettable hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final made him a household name, while his recognition as African Footballer of the Year only cemented his star status.
Victor Boniface – €40m
Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface has quickly become one of the Bundesliga’s most feared strikers. His physicality, flair, and intelligent movement combine to create a complete modern forward.
Alex Iwobi – €28m
After inconsistent spells at Arsenal and Everton, Alex Iwobi has revived his career at Fulham. Now worth €28m, he has re-established himself as a versatile playmaker capable of dictating tempo and linking play.
Calvin Bassey – €25m
Calvin Bassey has matured into one of Nigeria’s most reliable defenders. Currently at Fulham, his €25m valuation reflects his growing importance. Comfortable as a centre-back or left-back, his blend of athleticism and defensive awareness makes him vital for club and country.
Ola Aina – €22m
Ola Aina remains one of the Super Eagles’ most dependable utility players. Now at Nottingham Forest, his €22m valuation reflects his reliability rather than flashiness. Capable of playing on either flank, he provides defensive stability and attacking width when needed.
Raphael Onyedika – €20m
Raphael Onyedika is emerging as Nigeria’s midfield anchor. Valued at €20m, the Club Brugge player is admired for his composure, positioning, and ability to break up play.
Tolu Arokodare – €18m
Tolu Arokodare is one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising attacking talents. At Belgian club Genk, the towering striker has impressed with his aerial presence and instinctive finishing. Valued at €18m, he represents the new generation of Nigerian forwards.
Taiwo Awoniyi – €16m
Taiwo Awoniyi has built a reputation in the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. Valued at €16m, his strength, hold-up play, and knack for scoring crucial goals make him a reliable option.
Though injuries have interrupted his progress, Awoniyi remains a proven Premier League striker.
Wilfred Ndidi – €15m
Once regarded as one of the Premier League’s best defensive midfielders prior to his move to Süper Lig club Beşiktaş, Wilfred Ndidi’s valuation dropped to €15m following injury setbacks and fluctuating form at Leicester City. Nonetheless, his ball-winning skills, interceptions, and leadership remain crucial.
Nathan Tella – €15m
Nathan Tella has blossomed under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen. Currently worth €15m, he is a dynamic winger known for his speed, pressing, and sharp decision-making.
Terem Moffi – €15m
Terem Moffi continues to shine in Ligue 1 with OGC Nice. Valued at €15m, he is a clinical finisher with an eye for goals in tight spaces.
Christantus Uche – €15m
Christantus Uche has rebuilt his profile in recent years, earning a €15m valuation. Versatile across the front line, his pace and finishing ability make him a useful attacking option for Getafe and Nigeria.
Moses Simon – €12m
A mainstay for both club and country, Moses Simon is valued at €12m. At his new club FC Paris, the former Nantes winger is known for blistering pace, direct dribbling, and the ability to stretch defences.
Igoh Ogbu – €11m
Igoh Ogbu is among Nigeria’s most promising young defenders. With a current value of €11m, the centre-back combines aerial strength with calmness on the ball.
Worthy Mentions
Samuel Chukwueze – €10m
AC Milan winger, celebrated for flair, pace, and dribbling. Still developing consistency, but with immense potential.
Josh Maja – €10m
Poacher-style forward, currently playing in England. Injuries have slowed him, but his instinct for goals remains intact.
Felix Agu – €10m
Werder Bremen full-back, valued for tactical discipline and energy on the flanks.
Maduka Okoye – €8m
Nigeria’s former No. 1 goalkeeper, now at Udinese. Strong reflexes and command of the area highlight his value.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – €7.5m
Energetic, box-to-box midfielder with dribbling power and attacking thrust.
Frank Onyeka – €7m
Brentford midfielder known for pressing intensity, defensive cover, and work ethic.
Nigeria’s current squad reflects a golden era of footballing talent. From Osimhen’s record-breaking transfer and Lookman’s rise to European stardom, to Boniface, Tella, and Onyedika’s continued growth, the Super Eagles boast depth and quality across the pitch.
Defensively, the likes of Bassey, Aina, and Ogbu provide balance, while midfielders such as Iwobi, Ndidi, and Dele-Bashiru bring control and creativity. In attack, a wealth of options—Osimhen, Boniface, Lookman, Awoniyi, Moffi, and Simon—ensures Nigeria can match the very best.