The 2024/25 elite footballing season is drawing to a close, and some of Nigeria's stars have had blockbuster campaigns and seen their value skyrocket.
Others, meanwhile, despite their exploits, have seen their transfer values dwindle. But which Super Eagles are considered the most valuable by the highly reputable Transfermarkt with the summer transfer window just around the corner?
Let's take a look.
Victor Osimhen
With a value of €70m, Victor Osimhen remains the most valuable Nigerian footballer in the world today. And while that value might sound like a lot, it's a shadow of what the 26-year-old was worth last summer.
Just under 12 months ago, a row with incoming Napoli boss Antonio Conte saw Osimhen made available for a transfer away from the Partenopei, despite the striker helping the club to a first Scudetto since the days of Diego Maradona in 2023. The Italian outfit was seeking upwards of €100m for their prized asset, and the race to secure his signature became the talk of the footballing world.
Even that was considered somewhat of a cut-price, with Osimhen's value thought to be closer to €110m, but still, none of Europe's biggest clubs were willing to stump up the cash to seal a deal for the goalscoring behemoth. Instead, he was shipped out to Galatasaray on a season-long loan, and a year competing in the less competitive Turkish Super Lig has seen his value dwindle. Still, Osimhen has shone in Istanbul, netting 29 goals in 33 appearances in all competitions.
But while the Super Eagle has been out in Turkey, his parent club has been taking the fight to reigning champions Inter Milan in Serie A. With a handful of games remaining, the Ciucciarelli currently find themselves in second place, just three points behind the Nerazzurri, and the sports betting sites make them contenders to claim the trophy this term. Websites offering sports betting online currently make Napoli a +240 underdog, with the reigning champion table toppers a -350 betting favorite.
For Osimhen, it's unlikely that he will return to Napoli after the current campaign is over. Premier League giants Arsenal and Manchester United are thought to be on the hunt for his signature, and they may well get him for €30m less than they would have last summer.
Ademola Lookman
After ill-fated runs in the Premier League with Leicester City and Everton, one could be forgiven for thinking that Ademola Lookman would fade into obscurity. However, since making the move to Italian side Atalanta three years ago, his career has been reborn.
A hat trick in last year's Europa League final victory against Bayer Leverkusen catapulted the former Leipzig winger to superstardom, and he has continued in a similar vein this term. Lookman has scored 18 goals in 35 appearances in all competitions this season, helping the Bergamo side to third place in the Serie A table and a Champions League qualifying spot next term.
Unlike Osimhen, Lookman has seen his value increase this term. He is currently worth €60m, well up from the €40m he was worth a year ago. However, unlike his Super Eagles teammate, the Atalanta man doesn't look to be on the move this summer and seems at home at Gewiss Stadium.
Victor Boniface
Striker Victor Boniface was the star of the show last season as Bayer Leverkusen romped to a historic double. Fresh off a move from Belgian outfit Union SG, the 24-year-old bagged 21 times in all competitions as Die Werkself won the Bundesliga for the first time ever, and they did so without losing a single game.
This year has been a disappointment both for Boniface personally and for Leverkusen overall. The Meisterschale looks set to return to its regular home in Munich, with Bayern sitting six points clear at the top of the table with just five games remaining. To make matters worse for the seemingly outgoing champions, their star Nigerian striker has missed a slew of games due to injury, resulting in him finding the net just eight times this term.
Despite that though, his value is unchanged from this time last year. Boniface remains valued at €45m, and he will be aiming to finish the season strong.
Alex Iwobi
Another player whose career has seemingly been resurrected this season is that of Alex Iwobi. The attacking midfielder was highly regarded as a youngster with Arsenal, but his stint with Everton saw his stock drastically drop. He left Goodison Park two years ago to join Fulham for €25m, and since then, his career has been rejuvenated.
The 80-time Nigeria international helped himself to eight goals and two assists at Craven Cottage last season, and he bagged the same number of goals this term as well. He put in a scintillating performance against Premier League table toppers Liverpool on April 6th, scoring, assisting, and triggering The Reds' second defeat of the campaign. He is currently valued at €25m, and he remains a crucial presence both for club and country.
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