Most valuable football nations: Nigeria, Africa’s number one; Brazil 2nd, Argentina 5th in the world

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have been ranked the most valuable national team in Africa, according to the latest data from renowned football statistics site, Transfermarkt, Soccernet.ng reports.

Football remains the world’s most popular sport, with billions tuning in across continents. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar, watched by over five billion people, was another spectacular reminder of the game's universal pull.

Now, fresh figures reveal which nations boast the most valuable collection of players — and Nigeria proudly leads the way in Africa.

Globally, England hold top spot with a combined player value of €5.07 billion, edging out Brazil (€4.91 billion) and Spain (€4.56 billion).

France and world champions Argentina complete the top five.

Eight of the top ten nations are European, with Argentina and Brazil the only exception. The Brazilians are led by Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr, currently the joint-most valuable player in the world alongside Erling Haaland at €200 million.

However, Nigeria’s position remains a source of immense pride.

Ranked 24th globally, the Super Eagles‘ squad is valued at a total of €376.10 million, placing them ahead of any other African country.

Three Nigerian stars are pivotal to this ranking.

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, currently on loan at Galatasaray, leads with a market value of €70 million.

: Victor Osimhen Excellence❤️ pic.twitter.com/fSh0m2I2wC

— Sxnti (Fan) (@PeakSxnti) April 26, 2025

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Atalanta’s dynamic forward Ademola Lookman follows closely at €60 million after another blistering season, while Bayer Leverkusen dangerman Victor Boniface is valued at €45 million.

Midfield dynamo Alex Iwobi, who has registered a career-best 15 Premier League goal contributions this season, shares a €25 million valuation with his Fulham and Nigeria teammate Calvin Bassey — the Super Eagles' most valuable defender.

Nottingham Forest full-back Ola Aina and Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika are each valued at €20 million, slightly ahead of Leicester City's Wilfred Ndidi and Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella (each at €18m).

Further down the list, Igoh Ogbu, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, and Samuel Chukwueze all command market values of €10 million or more, a clear indication of Nigeria’s impressive depth of talent.

Despite reaching the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria face a battle to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, having missed out on Qatar 2022.

Nonetheless, with a squad this valuable and full of promise, the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s brightest hopes on the global stage.