…now 15th most expensive team in world
In the latest financial rankings of national teams released by transfermarkt, Super Eagles witnessed a massive rise in the squad market value, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The rise in the squad market value saw the three-time African champions move up two steps and now ranked the 13th most valuable international team globally, while also cementing its position in Africa as the most valuable team on the continent.
The Eagles boast players who ply their trade in Europe’s lucrative leagues, making them one of the world’s most valuable teams, with a total value of €338.50m.
In February, they were placed 15th with a market value of €301m.
The Nigerian squad’s value witnessed an increase of €37.5m compared to the squad’s previous value.
There was a massive rise in the market value of some of the Eagles players, following their recent outstanding performances for their various club sides.
The biggest of them of all is Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, who according to transfermarkt, has the highest rise between the month of January and March.
His excellent form saw a massive €30m rise in his market value, moving from €70m to €100m, and is now Nigeria’s most valuable player ever.
Though Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi, saw another drop in his valuation due to seasons that have been blighted by injuries, he remains the second most valuable player in the team with €38m, compared to his previous value of €60m.
In-form Atalanta forward, Ademola Lookman, is another player who contributed to the increase in the Eagles’ market value as he moved from his previous value of €20m to €30m, following his impressive debut season with the Italian club.
Everton forward, Alex Iwobi, maintained his €25m valuation to remain as Eagles’ fourth most expensive player.
While Samuel Chukwueze’s market value remains at €20m, other players like Terem Moffi, Joe Aribo and Calvin Bassey all contributed to the growth in the team’s value with a combined value of €72m.
Since hitting his first million in his career after moving from €900,000 to €1m, goalkeeper Maduka Okoye continues to see his value increase despite little action since joining Watford.
The goalkeeper is currently valued at €2.5m.
Ndidi wasn’t the only player with a reduced market value, Nottingham Forest forward, Emmanuel Dennis had a €5m deduction. He is now valued at €10m compared to his initial €15m market value.
The increase in some of the players’ value put together helped the Eagles move up to 13th place globally, while also ranking as the most valuable team on the continent.
Prior to the latest rankings, Morocco, who were once the third most valuable African team are now second in Africa and 14th in the world with a team value of €306.85m following their impressive outing in Qatar.
Ivory Coast are third in Africa and 22nd globally with a market value of €251.03m, while Ghana are fourth on the continent and 24th in the world.
Senegal, who were once ranked number one in Africa are now the fifth most valued African team and 27th in the world.
Despite the drop in their value, England retain their position as the most financially valuable team in the world with a market value of €1.11bn compared to their previous €1.28bn, while European champions Italy dropped further from sixth position to seven.
France moved one place up to second position (€1.03bn), while Portugal (€913.50m), Argentina (€853.70m) and Spain (€787m) complete the top five in the world.
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