Top 10 Nigerian Football Players Ranking

News: As the summer transfer window draws to a close, European clubs are finalizing their squads for the upcoming seasons starting in August. Amidst the player transfers across various clubs and countries, it’s an opportune moment to acknowledge Nigeria’s significant contributions to the global football scene. Here, we present a list of the top 10 Nigerian football players in 2023:

10. Umar Sadiq

Originating from Kaduna, Sadiq initiated his football journey with the local team Kusa Boys and progressed through Football College Abuja. Catching the attention of Italian scouts during the Kvarnerska Rivijera youth tournament in Croatia, he eventually landed in Serie A with Spezia before finding his current home at Real Sociedad in 2022.

9. Kelechi Iheanacho

Coming from Taye Academy, Iheanacho transitioned to Manchester City in 2014, showcasing his talents that earned him the Golden Ball at the U-17 World Cup. After two seasons at Etihad, he moved to Leicester in 2017 and continues to excel as a forward, with a market value of EUR 18 million.

8. Gift Orban

Raised in Benue State, Orban embarked on his professional career in 2021 with Bison FC before making waves in Norway with Stabæk and later KAA Gent. Boasting a market value of EUR 20 million, Orban has attracted interest from major clubs like Chelsea, Man Utd, and Tottenham.

7. Terem Moffi

Moffi, a Calabar native, navigated his career from Lithuania to Belgium and finally France, where his stellar performance at Lorient secured a permanent contract with Nice. With a current market value of EUR 20 million, Moffi has become a notable figure in Ligue 1.

6. Samuel Chukwueze

Hailing from Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Chukwueze’s journey led him from local academies to Villarreal in Spain, where he established himself as a winger. His market value stands at EUR 25 million, reflecting his prowess on the field.

5. Taiwo Awoniyi

After catching the eye at a London tournament in 2010, Awoniyi’s journey took him to Liverpool and eventually Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. Returning to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi commands a market value of EUR 25 million.

4. Wilfred Ndidi

A product of the Nath Boys Academy, Ndidi transitioned to Belgian side Genk in 2015 before joining Leicester City in the Premier League. As a formidable defensive midfielder, his market value is currently at EUR 25 million.

3. Alex Iwobi

Born in Lagos and developed in Arsenal’s youth academy, Iwobi moved to Everton in 2019. As a versatile player, he boasts a market value of EUR 28 million.

2. Ademola Lookman

Having made his professional debut with Charlton Athletic, Lookman’s journey includes stints in the Bundesliga before finding his place as a winger in Serie A with Atalanta, with a market value of EUR 30 million.

1. Victor Osimhen

Hailing from Lagos, Osimhen has become the most expensive African footballer, securing a striker position at Napoli. With a staggering market value of EUR 120 million, he stands out as a force to be reckoned with in the football world.

Nigeria continues to produce remarkable football talents, and with the passion for the sport in the country, the list of valuable Nigerian players is expected to grow in the coming years.