As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off in Morocco this December, all eyes are on Nigeria’s Super Eagles. Boasting a squad whose combined market value is estimated around €300 million, the three-time champions enter the tournament as the most expensive collection of talent on the continent.
From the clinical finishing of Victor Osimhen to the creative resurgence of Ademola Lookman, Eric Chelle’s men are bringing unprecedented financial “firepower” to the North African stage.
But in a tournament where history often trumps bank balances, can the most valuable squad in Africa finally turn their market price into silverware?
“Big three” dominance
At the heart of Nigeria’s staggering valuation is a triple-threat attack that has dominated European headlines this season.
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Victor Osimhen (€75m): Despite his summer move to Galatasaray, the reigning African icon remains the crown jewel. His physical presence and relentless scoring record make him the tournament’s most “expensive” threat.
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Ademola Lookman (€60m): Following his historic Europa League exploits and a career-high valuation, the Atalanta star arrives in Morocco as the presumptive favorite for the next African Footballer of the Year.
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Victor Boniface (€45m): Bayer Leverkusen powerhouse rounds out a frontline that most European giants would envy, pushing Nigeria’s attacking valuation alone past the €180m mark.
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Strength in depth
It isn’t just the strikers making waves. The Super Eagles’ financial footprint extends across the pitch:
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Calvin Bassey (€28m): Fulham man has cemented his status as Africa’s most valuable defender.
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Raphael Onyedika (€20m): The midfield anchor’s rising stock in Belgium has added a much-needed premium to Nigeria’s engine room.
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Rising Stars: Look out for Premier League newcomer Christantus Uche, whose rapid rise from amateur football to Crystal Palace has seen his valuation skyrocket in just twelve months.
AFCON 2025. Osimhen and four other players who could win top-scoring race
High Stakes in Morocco
With the tournament set to run from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, the pressure on Nigeria is immense. After a turbulent 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the Super Eagles must prove that their high market valuations aren’t just for show.
In Morocco’s state-of-the-art arenas, like the rebuilt Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, the world will see if the “Billion-Naira” squad can deliver a performance that matches their price tag.
AFCON 2025. Meet five Nigeria Super Eagles debutants heading to Morocco
Goalkeepers
| Player | Team | Transfermarkt Value |
| Stanley Nwabali | Chippa United (South Africa) | €550,000 |
| Amas Obasogie | Singida Black Stars (Tanzania) | €250,000 |
| Francis Uzoho | Omonia (Cyprus) | €300,000 |
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Defenders
| Player | Team | Transfermarkt Value |
| Calvin Bassey | Fulham (England) | €28,000,000 |
| Semi Ajayi | Hull City (England) | €900,000 |
| Bright Osayi-Samuel | Birmingham City (England) | €6,500,000 |
| Bruno Onyemaechi | Olympiacos (Greece) | €2,500,000 |
| Chidozie Awaziem | Nantes (France) | €3,000,000 |
| Zaidu Sanusi | Porto (Portugal) | €2,000,000 |
| Igoh Ogbu | Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) | €10,000,000 |
| Ryan Alebiosu | Blackburn Rovers (England) | €1,200,000 |
AFCON 2025. Baleba and four other players making their debut
Midfielders
| Player | Team | Transfermarkt Value |
| Alex Iwobi | Fulham (England) | €25,000,000 |
| Frank Onyeka | Brentford (England) | €7,000,000 |
| Wilfred Ndidi | Besiktas (Turkey) | €10,000,000 |
| Raphael Onyedika | Club Brugge (Belgium) | €20,000,000 |
| Tochukwu Nnadi | Zulte Waregem (Belgium) | €2,000,000 |
| Fisayo Dele-Bashiru | Lazio (Italy) | €7,500,000 |
| Ebenezer Akinsanmiro | Pisa (Italy) | €4,500,000 |
| Usman Muhammed | Ironi Tiberias (Israel) | €430,000 |
Forwards
| Player | Team | Transfermarkt Value |
| Chidera Ejuke | Sevilla (Spain) | €4,000,000 |
| Akor Adams | Sevilla (Spain) | €7,000,000 |
| Ademola Lookman | Atalanta (Italy) | €40,000,000 |
| Samuel Chukwueze | Fulham (England) | €10,000,000 |
| Victor Osimhen | Galatasaray (Turkey) | €75,000,000 |
| Moses Simon | Paris FC (France) | €7,000,000 |
| Paul Onuachu | Trabzonspor (Turkey) | €6,000,000 |
| Cyriel Dessers | Panathinaikos (Greece) | €3,500,000 |
| Salim Fago Lawal | Istra 1961 (Croatia) | €800,000 |
