Victor Boniface Leads Ranking of Most Valuable Nigerian Players, Ahead of Osimhen and Others

• The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) recently announced the list of the most valuable players globally.
• Only two Nigerian players made it into the top 100 list released by the Switzerland-based football observatory body.
• Sports Brief spotlights a list of the most valuable Nigerian players following the data released by the Swiss statistical organisation.

The International Centre for Sports Studies (CIES) recently unveiled a report detailing the planet's top 100 most valuable football players.

The list from this global football statistical authority showcases a plethora of marquee players who have undeniably made their mark on the just-concluded 2023/24 football season.

Among the rankings from the Swiss-based organisation are several African players who have enjoyed a stellar campaign.

However, a notable observation from the CIES list is that only two Nigerian players made the cut in the top 100 most valuable players.

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In light of this, Sports Brief has curated a list of the five most valuable Nigerian players currently active in European football.

Most valuable Nigerian players in Europe

Victor Boniface

The Bayer Leverkusen forward is currently the highest-ranked Nigerian player in Europe, according to the rankings released by CIES.

The 23-year-old is undoubtedly one of Nigeria’s best players currently, and he has also been an integral part of Die Werkself's incredible 2023/24 season.

The versatile forward is currently valued at €86.5 million. Since completing his summer transfer from Union St Gilloise, Boniface has been involved in 30 goals for Xabi Alonso’s side.

Victor Osimhen

The 2023 Confederation of African Football Player of the Year ranks second behind Boniface in the CIES-released list. Osimhen, who entered the 2023/24 season as the most valuable player on the African continent, saw his value decline to €85.6mil, according to the report by the football observatory body.

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Osimhen’s decline in value can be largely attributed to a flurry of injuries the forward had to contend with, as well as Napoli's largely underwhelming campaign. Despite this decrease, the combative forward was able to record 20 goal involvements throughout the season.

Ademola Lookman

While the Atalanta forward may have missed out on the list of the 100 most valuable footballers worldwide, he holds the third spot among the most valuable Nigerian players globally.

The 26-year-old concluded his outstanding season with Atalanta in a dreamlike manner. Lookman amassed 24 goal involvements in his 44 appearances, as per data from FotMob, including a remarkable hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. The forward is presently valued at €30m.

Taiwo Awoniyi

The Nottingham Forest forward holds the fourth position on the list of most valuable Nigerian players worldwide. Despite struggling to replicate his brilliant debut season with the Tricky Trees, largely due to lengthy injuries, the former Liverpool forward still managed to contribute nine goals in his 23 appearances, according to data from FotMob.

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The 26-year-old combative forward is currently valued at €30m.

Alex Iwobi

The Fulham midfielder stands as another of Nigeria’s most valuable players plying his trade in Europe. Iwobi, currently valued at €28 million, was involved in eight goals during his debut season with the Premier League outfit, according to data from FotMob.

The 28-year-old’s versatility has enabled him to thrive in various midfield positions, and at times, even when deployed in defensive midfield.

Most valuable African players

In a previous report, Sports Brief compiled a list of the most valuable African footballers across Europe.

This list features prominent names such as Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson and Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz, alongside other African players.