Super Eagles defender rankings: Nwaiwu jumps above Rangers star as Bassey leads

Super Eagles centre-back Chibuike Nwaiwu has climbed above Rangers defender Emmanuel Fernandez in the latest valuation of Nigeria's defenders, Soccernet.ng reports.

Transfermarkt's updated data puts the Trabzonspor centre-back firmly behind only Calvin Bassey among the country's most valuable defensive players.

Nwaiwu's value has risen to €18 million, a figure that places the 23-year-old level with Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina and €2m above Fernandez's €16m valuation. Bassey leads the Nigerian defensive chart at €28m, leaving Nwaiwu with a €10m gap to close if he is to take the top spot.

The rapid rise is striking given Nwaiwu's January 2026 move from Wolfsberger to Trabzonspor for a reported €5.5m.

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The Port Harcourt-born defender has since become a regular in Turkey, starting all six of Trabzonspor's opening Süper Lig matches of the 2026/27 campaign and playing 533 minutes.

His season has included a statement performance in Trabzonspor's 4-0 demolition of Galatasaray on September 19, while his club contract runs until June 2030. Nwaiwu nearly moved to the Premier League in the summer, with Fulham and Crystal Palace coming close to getting a deal done.

Super Eagles: Nwaiwu's climb puts Fernandez under pressure

Fernandez's €16m valuation still shows a remarkable rise of his own. The London-born centre-back joined Rangers from Peterborough United in July 2025 and has since established himself at Ibrox.

He started all seven of Rangers' Premiership matches at the latest statistical update, completing every minute and helping Derek McInnes' side beat Celtic 1-0 on September 20.

Nwaiwu and Fernandez also share an international milestone, with both making their Nigeria debuts on 27 March 2026. Fernandez scored once in his first two appearances, while Nwaiwu has collected three caps without a goal.

Nigeria's most expensive defensive transfer signing, Bassey remains seated at the top of the chart of Super Eagles' most valuable defenders. Now established as one of the Premier League's finest, Bassey has made six appearances and played 478 minutes this season for Fulham, with 17 clearances and 20 duels won.

The Nigeria international has captained Fulham on multiple occasions this season was a key pillar for the Super Eagles during the September Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.