Super Eagles AFCONQ squad: Nigeria’s 7 most valuable players under Eric Chelle

Nigeria's Super Eagles will begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign without Victor Osimhen, but Eric Chelle still has seven players in his squad valued at €18 million or more, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen was initially named in Chelle's squad but was ruled out of the opening qualifiers after suffering a thigh injury while playing for Galatasaray against Başakşehir on September 20.

The striker was substituted in the 33rd minute and will miss Nigeria's meeting with Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 and the trip to Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

The Galatasaray forward is Nigeria's most valuable player and Africa's top centre-forward at €75 million, per Transfermarkt. However, his absence leaves the spot for other players to fill.

With Nigeria's leading striker unavailable, attention now turns to the players Chelle can call on for the opening two matches.

Super Eagles' most valuable players in AFCONQ squad

7. Ola Aina, €18m

Aina is Nigeria's most valuable right-back and one of the country's top three defenders on this chart.

The 29-year-old Nottingham Forest defender gives Chelle an experienced option across the back line after spending most of his professional career in England.

Aina came through Chelsea's academy before playing for Hull City, Torino and Fulham, then establishing himself at Nottingham Forest.

His ability to operate on either side of the defence gives Chelle a key tactical option when setting up against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Aina has also played as a full-back and wing-back, allowing Nigeria to change the shape of their defence without necessarily changing personnel.

He missed the 2025 AFCON but his return adds experience to a defensive group containing Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Emmanuel Fernandez.

6. Emmanuel Fernandez, €18m

Fernandez shares Aina's €18m valuation after an incredible rise in profile over the past ten months.

The Rangers centre-back has developed into a Super Eagles option after progressing through English football before moving to Scotland.

His physical presence gives Nigeria another option in central defence, while his ability to cover large spaces can help Chelle against opponents looking to counter-attack.

Fernandez is part of the squad for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau qualifiers, giving him the chance to add to his international experience.

He has already notched three caps for Nigeria in friendlies earlier this year but he could make his competitive Super Eagles debut over the next few days.

5. Samuel Chukwueze, €20m

AC Milan star Chukwueze moves into the top five with a €20m valuation.

The 27-year-old winger is enjoying a rebirth in Italy having become a key component of Ruben Amorim's revolution in Milan.

One of Nigeria's main options in wide attacking areas, Chukwueze brings years of European football experience to Chelle's squad.

He developed his reputation at Villarreal before moving to AC Milan and later spending time on loan at Fulham.

His greatest threat comes from his pace and ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations.

Chukwueze can attack from the right, cut inside onto his stronger left foot and create shooting or passing opportunities around the penalty area.

With Osimhen unavailable, those attacking qualities could become even more important as Nigeria look for different ways to break down Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

4. Alex Iwobi, €20m

Iwobi is level with Chukwueze at €20m but brings a different set of qualities to the Super Eagles.

The 30-year-old Fulham player has 100 Nigeria caps and extensive Premier League experience from his time with Arsenal, Everton and Fulham.

His versatility allows him to play in midfield or move into wider attacking positions. That flexibility gives Chelle another way to connect Nigeria's midfield with its forwards.

Iwobi can carry the ball through midfield, combine with attacking players and help Nigeria retain possession when opponents try to press.

His experience also gives Chelle an established international option in a squad containing several younger players.

3. Raphael Onyedika, €23m

Onyedika breaks into the top three with a €23m market valuation.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Club Brugge in August after establishing himself as one of Nigeria's leading defensive midfield stars.

Onyedika had already gained Champions League experience with Club Brugge before making the move to Germany.

His game is built around physical strength, ball recovery and protecting the defence from the midfield.

The former Midtjylland midfielder is viewed by Chelle as an understudy to Super Eagles captain Wilfred Ndidi but he could look to earn minutes as Nigeria face two tough African opponents in four days.

2. Calvin Bassey, €28m

Bassey is the second-highest-valued player in the group at €28m.

The Fulham defender can play at centre-back or left-back, making his versatility particularly useful to Chelle.

Bassey developed in Leicester City's academy before moving to Scottish club Rangers' first team, then joined Ajax and later Fulham.

His European experience includes Champions League football, while his regular Premier League exposure has given him experience against high-level forwards.

Bassey's pace allows him to recover when Nigeria's defensive line is exposed, while his strength makes him effective in physical battles.

He is expected to be one of the central figures in Chelle's defence when Nigeria face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

1. Ademola Lookman, €40m

In Osimhen's absence, Lookman sits at the top with a €40m valuation, giving him a €12m advantage over Bassey.

The 28-year-old attacker completed his move to Atlético Madrid during the winter transfer window after establishing himself as one of Europe's most dangerous forwards at Atalanta.

He can play on either wing or operate closer to the striker, giving Chelle freedom when constructing Nigeria's attack.

Lookman's strongest period at Atalanta included his remarkable 2024 Europa League final performance, when he scored all three goals in a 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.

That hat-trick delivered Atalanta their first major European trophy and made Lookman the first player to score three goals in a Europa League final.

He also won the 2024 CAF African Player of the Year award after his outstanding club and international performances.

Lookman's pace, movement and ability to attack from different areas of the pitch make him one of Nigeria's principal attacking outlets with Osimhen unavailable.

Nigeria face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to tackle Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The two matches will give Chelle his first competitive assignments of the new AFCON qualifying campaign and force him to build an attack without Osimhen.