By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face Benin Republic and Lesotho in their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a squad valued at a staggering €295.2 million, according to Transfermarkt. This valuation reaffirms Nigeria’s position as one of Africa’s most talent-rich football nations.
Head coach Eric Chelle has named a 23-man list featuring some of the continent’s biggest stars playing in Europe’s top leagues. The squad is led by Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, valued at €75m, and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, priced at €60m after a stellar campaign in Italy.
Other high-value players include Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi (€28m), Fulham defender Calvin Bassey (€25m), and Genk striker Tolu Arokodare (€18m). In contrast, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali is valued at €650,000, while young defender Benjamin Fredrick (€400,000) and goalkeeper Adebayo Adeleye (€450,000) sit among the squad’s lowest-rated assets. Enyimba’s Amas Obasogie is listed without a recorded market value.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi (€12m), Frank Onyeka (€7m), and Alhassan Yusuf (€3m) provide depth and experience. The defence will rely on the leadership of William Troost-Ekong (€1.5m) alongside Bright Osayi-Samuel (€6.5m), Felix Agu (€8m), and Bruno Onyemaechi (€2.7m).
With a total valuation that makes them one of Africa’s most expensive teams, the Super Eagles boast both established internationals and emerging stars. However, Nigeria’s recent inconsistency in World Cup qualifying raises questions about whether market value can be translated into results on the pitch.
As the qualifiers approach, the pressure is firmly on Chelle and his squad to deliver back-to-back wins against Benin and Lesotho. For Nigerian fans, the real test lies not in transfer figures but in whether this richly valued team can finally convert their potential into victories that keep World Cup dreams alive.
