With their impressive skillset and talents, Nigerian footballers have become a force to reckon with in European football. Most of these players have achieved success with their clubs and have also won multiple accolades, increasing their market value.
From Napoli’s Victor Osimhen to African footballer of the year Ademola Lookman, here are the top 5 most valuable Nigerian footballers in European football.
Victor Osimhen (€70 million)
Unsurprisingly, Victor Osimhen ranks top of this list as the most valuable Super Eagles player in European football with a market value of €70 million. The Napoli forward has seen his stocks rise after impressive performances in Italy and on loan in the Turkish League last season.
The 26-year-old has attracted multiple interests from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal, and Al-Hilal, although a return to Galatasaray looks the most likely option this summer. However, Osimhen’s release clause is slightly above his current market value, with Napoli wanting €75 million for his services.
Ademola Lookman (€60 million)
Closely behind Osimhen is reigning African footballer of the year winner Ademola Lookman, whose market value is pegged at €60 million. The Atalanta forward initially struggled in European football before finding his feat at Atalanta, where he has developed into one of the best wingers in the world in the last four years.
In 2024, Lookman bagged a remarkable hat-trick in the Europa League final to lead La Dea to a first ever European trophy. The 27-year-old is also likely to leave Italy this summer with several interests from Barcelona, Arsenal and Paris Saint Germain.
Victor Boniface (€40 million)
Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is the third most valuable Nigerian in Europe with a market value of €40 million. The 24-year-old’s formed slightly dipped in his second Bundesliga season, after an impressive debut campaign where he also claimed the Bundesliga crown and the rookie of the season award.
Boniface was close to joining Al Nassr in January before the deal fell through and the Saudi Premier League club could be back for the Super Eagles star this summer.
Alex Iwobi (€28 million)
Former Arsenal midfielder Alex Iwobi ranks as Nigeria’s fourth-most valuable player. Iwobi has significantly improved since joining Fulham from Everton in 2023, becoming one of the Cottagers best players under Portuguese Marco Silva.
The 29-year-old is the first of two English Premier League players to appear on this list.
Calvin Bassey (€25 million)
Iwobi’s Fulham teammate Calvin Bassey, is Nigeria’s most valuable defender and the fifth most valuable footballer with a current market value of €25 million. The defender moved to England in 2023 and was recently named Fulham’s player of the season for the 2024-25 campaign, rewarded for an improved performance after a dismal debut season.
Bassey is set to stay at the London club for another season and could attract interest from top European clubs if he maintains his fine form.
