Super Eagles stars Victor Boniface and Victor Osimhen have both secured spots in the top 10 most valued African footballers, as per the latest rankings by the CIES Football Observatory.
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Following an impressive season, Bayer Leverkusen’s Boniface has been ranked third, while Napoli’s Osimhen, recently crowned the 2023 CAF Player of the Year, takes the fourth position. Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson leads the list, followed by Mohammed Kudus.
Boniface’s ascent to third place has been particularly surprising, given his relatively recent arrival at Bayer Leverkusen in the 2023 summer transfer window. The Nigerian forward has had a breakout season, netting 21 goals and providing 10 assists, earning him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Year award. His market value is now pegged at €86.5 million, highlighting his rapid rise and significant impact in German football under the guidance of Xabi Alonso.
Osimhen, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and commanding presence at Napoli, is valued at €85.6 million. Despite having a release clause of approximately €120 million, his ranking has generated some surprise among the Nigerian football community.
This valuation reflects not only his talent but also the rigorous market dynamics and considerations of injury records and potential future performance. Recently linked with a potential move to Chelsea, Osimhen’s high valuation underscores the financial commitment any club would need to secure his services.
Both Boniface and Osimhen have become central figures in their respective clubs, with their market values showcasing the significant contributions and potential they bring to the table. As the summer transfer window heats up, these rankings set the stage for a fascinating period of player movements and negotiations in the football world.