News: As the summer transfer window draws to a close, European clubs are finalizing their squads for the upcoming seasons starting in August. Amidst the transfer of players to various clubs and countries, it is high time to acknowledge the significant contribution that Nigeria is making on the international football stage. Here, we present a list of top 10 Nigerian footballers in 2023.
10. Umar Sadiq
Hailing from Kaduna, Sadiq started his football journey with local team Kusa Boys and went through the Football College, Abuja. He caught the attention of Italian scouts during his youth campaign at the Kvarnerska Rivijera in Croatia and landed in Serie A with Spezia before finally finding his home at Real Sociedad in 2022.
9. Kelechi Iheanacho
Iheanacho, who hailed from Taeyeon Academy, moved to Manchester City in 2014 and showcased his talent at the U-17 World Cup which earned him the Ballon d’Or. After two seasons at the Etihad, he moved to Leicester in 2017 and has continued to excel, with a market value of €18 million.
8. Gift Orban
Orban, who grew up in Benue State, started his professional career with Bison FC in 2021 before making waves in Norway with Stabæk and later with KAA Gent. Orban, who boasts a market value of €20 million, has attracted interest from top clubs such as Chelsea, Man United and Tottenham.
7. Room Mofi
A native of Calabar, Moffi moved his career from Lithuania to Belgium and finally France, and his impressive performances at Lorient earned him a permanent contract with Nice. With a current market value of €20 million, Moffi has become a popular figure in Ligue 1.
6. Samuel Chukwueze
Hailing from Amaokwe Ugba Ibeku, Chukwueze’s journey from local academies led him to Spain’s Villarreal where he established himself as a winger. His market value is 25 million euros, which shows his prowess on the field.
5. Taiwo Awenni
In the year After catching the eye in the London tournament in 2010, Awonyi’s journey took him to Liverpool and eventually Union Berlin in the Bundesliga. Returning to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, Awenyi commands a market value of €25 million.
4. Wilfred Patience
A product of the Nat Boys Academy, Nidd moved to Belgian side Genk in 2015 before joining Premier League side Leicester City. As a fearsome defensive midfielder, he currently has a market value of €25 million.
3. Alex Iwobi
Born in Lagos and raised in Arsenal’s youth academy, Iwobi moved to Everton in 2019. As a versatile player, he has a market value of €28 million.
2. Ademola Lookman
Making his professional debut with Charlton Athletic, Lookman’s journey included a spell in the Bundesliga before securing a place in Serie A for a market value of €30m.
1. Victor Osimhen
Osimhene, who hails from Lagos, has become the most expensive African footballer after securing a striker position at Napoli. With a staggering market value of €120 million, he has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in the world of football.
Nigeria continues to produce amazing football talents and with the love for the sport in the country, the list of Nigerian footballers is expected to grow in the coming years.