Nigeria’s Super Eagles AFCONQ squad still boasts significant market value despite the absence of Victor Osimhen from the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Osimhen was initially included in Eric Chelle’s squad but suffered a thigh injury during Galatasaray’s match against Başakşehir on September 20. The striker was substituted in the 33rd minute and will miss Nigeria’s games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
With Nigeria’s most valuable player unavailable, attention shifts to the other stars in Chelle’s squad. Seven players are valued at €18 million or more, according to the figures cited in the original report.
Super Eagles AFCONQ squad: The seven most valuable players
7. Ola Aina — €18m
Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is valued at €18 million and provides Chelle with experience and versatility at the back.
The 29-year-old can operate on either side of the defence and has played as both a full-back and wing-back during his career.
Aina came through Chelsea’s academy before spells with Hull City, Torino and Fulham. His experience in English and Italian football gives Nigeria another dependable option for the opening qualifiers.
6. Emmanuel Fernandez — €18m
Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez is also valued at €18 million.
Fernandez has risen through the ranks in English football before establishing himself in Scotland. His physical strength and ability to cover space make him another option for Chelle in central defence.
The defender has already earned three Nigeria caps in friendlies and could make his competitive debut during the opening AFCON qualifying matches.
5. Samuel Chukwueze — €20m
Samuel Chukwueze occupies fifth place with a reported valuation of €20 million.
The winger brings pace, direct running and one-on-one ability to the Super Eagles attack. He developed his reputation at Villarreal before moving to AC Milan and later spending time on loan at Fulham.
With Osimhen unavailable, Chukwueze could become an important outlet in wide areas as Nigeria look for alternative ways to create chances.
4. Alex Iwobi — €20m
Alex Iwobi is level with Chukwueze at €20 million.
The Fulham midfielder has accumulated extensive Premier League experience with Arsenal, Everton and Fulham. He has also become one of Nigeria’s most experienced international players, with 100 caps.
Iwobi’s ability to operate in midfield or wider attacking positions gives Chelle tactical flexibility. He can carry the ball, combine with teammates and help Nigeria maintain possession.
3. Raphael Onyedika — €23m
Raphael Onyedika moves into third place with a reported €23 million valuation.
The defensive midfielder joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Club Brugge in August after developing into an important player for the Belgian club.
Onyedika offers physical strength, ball recovery and defensive protection from midfield. His previous Champions League experience also adds another layer of European exposure to the Super Eagles squad.
Chelle can use him as an alternative option alongside or behind captain Wilfred Ndidi in midfield.
2. Calvin Bassey — €28m
Calvin Bassey is the second-most valuable player in the Super Eagles AFCONQ squad, with a reported valuation of €28 million.
The Fulham defender can play at centre-back or left-back, making him particularly useful to Chelle when adjusting Nigeria’s defensive structure.
Bassey developed at Leicester City before establishing himself at Rangers and later playing for Ajax and Fulham. His pace and physical strength allow him to handle defensive situations that demand recovery speed and strength in duels.
He is expected to be an important part of Nigeria’s defensive setup against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
1. Ademola Lookman — €40m
Ademola Lookman tops the list at €40 million.
The Nigeria international completed a move to Atlético Madrid during the winter transfer window after making a major impact at Atalanta.
Lookman can operate from either wing or play closer to the striker, giving Chelle several ways to structure his attack.
His most memorable club performance came in the 2024 Europa League final, when he scored a hat-trick in Atalanta’s 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
He subsequently won the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award, underlining his importance to Nigerian football.
With Osimhen unavailable, Lookman becomes one of Nigeria’s key attacking outlets. His pace, movement and ability to attack from different areas could be particularly important during the opening qualifiers.
Why Osimhen’s absence changes Nigeria’s attack
Osimhen remains Nigeria’s highest-valued player in the figures cited in the report, but his injury means Chelle must prepare for the opening matches without his usual central attacking threat.
That could increase the responsibility on players such as Lookman, Chukwueze and Iwobi to create opportunities and contribute in the final third.
At the same time, the depth of the Super Eagles AFCONQ squad gives Chelle several experienced players to build around.
Key highlights
- Ademola Lookman is the most valuable available player at €40 million.
- Calvin Bassey follows with a reported €28 million valuation.
- Raphael Onyedika is valued at €23 million.
- Alex Iwobi and Samuel Chukwueze are both valued at €20 million.
- Ola Aina and Emmanuel Fernandez complete the list at €18 million each.
- Victor Osimhen will miss the opening qualifiers after suffering a thigh injury.
Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The two matches represent Eric Chelle’s first competitive assignments of the new AFCON qualifying campaign.
Without Osimhen, the Super Eagles will have to find a different attacking formula. However, the squad still contains several established players capable of influencing the matches at both ends of the pitch.
The performances of Lookman, Bassey, Iwobi, Chukwueze and the rest of the Super Eagles AFCONQ squad will therefore be closely watched as Nigeria begin their road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
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