Super Eagles become Africa’s most expensive team

Super Eagles become Africa’s most expensive team
How the NFF can improve Nigerian Football

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have become the most expensive football team in Africa, according to the latest financial rankings of national teams. 

The Super Eagles missed out on the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but that has not stopped the former African champions from moving up the ladder as one of the world’s most expensive teams. 

Having moved from third place in Africa to become the most valuable team on the continent, the three-time African champions are now ranked the 15th most valuable international team in the world.

Most of the players in the Super Eagles ply their trade in Europe’s lucrative leagues, making them one of the world’s most valuable teams, with a total value of €303.35m. In October, they were placed 21st with a market value of €256.65m.

As compared to the squad's previous value, the Nigerian squad's value increased by €46.7m.

The biggest of them of all is Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, who according to transfermarkt, has the highest rise between the month of September and October. With his excellent form, his market value has risen from €65m to €70m, making him Nigeria's most valuable player ever.

On the other hand, Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi’s value dropped massively by €20m to a poor start to the new season. However, he remains the second most valuable player in the team with €40m, compared to his previous value of €60m.

In-form Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, is another player who contributed to the increase in the Eagles’ market value as he moved from his initial value of €10m to €20m, following his impressive debut season with the Italian club. Everton forward, Alex Iwobi, also saw a slight increase in his value as he rose from €22m to €25m.

Despite Samuel Chukwueze's market value remaining at €20m, other players like Terem Moffi, Joe Aribo, and Calvin Bassey contributed to the team's growth with a combined market value of €48m.

Since hitting his first million in his career after moving from €900,000 to €1m, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye continues to see his value increase despite little action since joining Watford. The goalkeeper is currently valued at €2.5m.

According to the latest rankings, Senegal, once the most valuable African team and 14th in the world, are now fourth in Africa and 24th in the world, with a value of €229.50m. With a market value of €259m, Ivory Coast is second in Africa and 19th globally, while Morocco and Ghana are third and fifth, respectively.

During the same period, English football had an increase of €12m to remain the most valuable team in the world with a market value of €1.26bn, while Brazil and France were ranked second and third with market values of €1.14bn and €1.03bn respectively. Portugal and Germany complete the top five with €937.00m and €885.50m respectively.

 

This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago

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