The Super Eagles of Nigeria have witnessed a decline in their squad market value for the second consecutive time in two months, despite their commendable performance at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to recent reports from PUNCH Sports Extra.
Following their runner-up finish at the AFCON tournament held in Ivory Coast in February, the three-time African champions experienced a significant decrease of €121 million in their market value, marking the first drop in 2023. Consequently, the Eagles now rank 15th globally in terms of squad value, retaining their status as the most financially valuable team in Africa.
The squad, comprising players predominantly from Europe’s top leagues, boasts a total value of €343 million. This valuation, when converted using the official exchange rate of the naira to Euro, amounts to a staggering ₦452 billion.
In March 2023, the Super Eagles occupied the 13th position with a market value of €345 million, experiencing a marginal decrease of €2 million in the latest assessment.
Several factors contributed to the devaluation of the squad, including the omission of players like Victor Boniface, valued at €40 million, and William Troost Ekong, valued at €2 million. The introduction of fringe players, such as Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Tyrone Ebuehi, further contributed to the decline in squad value.
Despite the absence of some high-valued players like Samuel Chukwueze and Terem Moffi, the squad remains anchored by Victor Osimhen, whose market value of €110 million accounts for nearly half of the team’s total value.
The decline in squad value places Nigeria behind Morocco and Ivory Coast, with England, France, and Portugal leading the global ranking as the most financially valuable national teams.
While the Super Eagles strive to regain their market value, their performance on the field continues to showcase the talent and potential within the team, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a force to be reckoned with in international football.
