From Victor Osimhen to Mohamed Salah, Listing the Top 5 Most Valuable African Forwards

• Africa continues to produce talented forwards who excel in goal-scoring
• Victor Osimhen is probably the greatest African forward at the moment
• He and other Africans are some of the most expensive football players

Victor Osimhen was recently crowned the 2023 CAF African Player of the Year.

The Nigerian is one of the best strikers in world football and is reportedly closer to signing a new deal with Napoli.

If he does, the club will look to insert a huge release clause, which will make him an expensive player when sold.

Africa is brimming with talent in the forward positions, and Osimhen is probably the hottest African forward in the market.

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane were, without a doubt, Africa's two best forwards and had won the last four CAF POTY crowns before Osimhen took it this week.

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African forwards have been attracting interest from top European clubs and the deep-pocketed Saudi Pro League clubs like Al-Nassr, Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, and Al-Hilal.

For that reason, Sports Brief looks at the top 5 most valuable African forwards.

Most valuable African forwards

5. Taiwo Awoniyi - €30 million - Nigeria

Nigeria has an embarrassment of riches in the strikers' position and Nottingham Forest's star man is one of them. His goals were vital for the English club in last season's quest for survival.

The 26-year-old is injured and is expected to be out for months, potentially missing the entire 2024 AFCON tournament. Forest have not started the season well, and they will need Awoniyi fit and firing soon.

Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman is also valued at €30 million.

4. Bryan Mbeumo - €35 million - Cameroon

The 24-year-old Brentford forward has become a key player for the Premier League club following the suspension of Ivan Toney. He has scored 7 Premier League goals for the Bees this season and has played every minute in 13 of his 15 Premier League appearances.

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The Cameroon international sustained an ankle injury and is a serious doubt for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.

Stade Rennais and Algeria star, Amine Gouiri and Chelsea, striker Nicholas Jackson are also valued at €35 million.

3. Victor Boniface - €40 million - Nigeria

We're beginning to see a pattern here. Most players on this list are Nigerian. Just like Osimhen and Awoniyi, Boniface is enjoying a sensational first season with Bayer Leverkusen. He has bagged 14 goals in 21 games for Leverkusen this campaign.

Guinea and Stuttgart striker, Serhou Guirassy is also enjoying a career season in Germany. He has scored 16 Bundesliga goals, and only Harry Kane has scored more goals than him. He is also valued at €40mil.

2. Mohamed Salah - €65 million - Egypt

Salah is arguably the greatest African player of all time. The Egyptian superstar became the 11th player to score 150 Premier League goals. No African has scored more than him in the English top flight.

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Al-Ittihad offered a £150mil bid for the Egyptian, but it was rejected in the summer by Liverpool.

He has scored 14 goals in 22 appearances this season, and SPL clubs will be looking to sign him again in future.

1. Victor Osimhen - €120 million - Nigeria

The Nigerian guided Napoli to their first Scudetto in 33 years last season and is the most sought-after striker in world football.

Real Madrid and Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing him. Beyond his club future, many will ask if he can lead Nigeria to AFCON glory next year.

All figures courtesy of Transfermarkt.

Osimhen displays dancing skills

Sports Brief previously reported on Victor Osimhen stealing the show at the 2023 CAF Awards after showing his dancing moves on stage.

The Napoli striker was named the Player of the Year in Africa following an impressive year with the Italian giants and with the Super Eagles.

In a video that has gone viral on social media, Osimhen was spotted dancing with the Ghetto Kids while singer, Dadju performed his hit songs.