OGUN, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigerian football players have been in the news in a number of leagues this 2023–24 season, displaying their extraordinary potential and establishing themselves as important members of their teams.
These Nigerian sportsmen have excelled in leagues ranging from Serie A to the Premier League, the Bundesliga to the Saudi Women’s League.
As the year is wrapping off, this is the perfect time to appreciate the most valuable footballers Nigeria has given the world.
Many of the names listed below are probably well-known to you, you could have come across them in the news or on the best betting apps available in Africa and other parts of the world.
Deborah Abiodun
Deborah Abiodun plays as a forward for Rivers Angels and the Nigeria women’s national team. She played in the 2022 U20 World Cup, where she was a delight to watch and has since caught the eyes of football lovers across the globe.
She has played 26 International matches, scored 6 goals and 3 assist in all.
Michelle Alozie
The 26 year old Nigerian footballer plays as a forward for National Women’s Soccer League team Houston Dash. Born in the United States. Her remarkable journey extends beyond club play, as she has also earned a place on the Nigeria women’s national team, the Super Falcons, showcasing her commitment to both her Nigerian heritage and her love for the beautiful game.
Alozie has been a significant presence in the 2023 NWSL season, starting 12 games and coming on as a substitute in four others. Her statistics showcase her ability to make a substantial impact on her team’s performance. With four goals to her name, Alozie has established herself as a reliable goal scorer.
Chiamaka Nnadozie (Paris FC)
Chiamaka Nnadozie, goalkeeper for Paris FC, is renowned for her incredible saves and commanding presence in goal.
As one of the top goalkeepers in women’s football, she was one of the Super Falcons’ best players at the concluded Women’s World Cup.
Abraham Ayomide Marcus
A Nigerian born professional footballer, started his career with Remo stars, Nigeria before he was moved on a season-long loan with an option to buy to Portuguese club, Porto B.
The Nigerian international added to his goal tally in the Portuguese Liga 2 as he contributed a second half goal in FC Porto B win away from home against União Desportiva Oliveirense.
The 22-year-old featured for the second team of Porto this season, and he has been given a chance to prove his worth in the dragons’ first team. All things being equal, Marcus Abraham will become the second Nigerian with Porto’s first team, joining full-back Zaidu Sanusi.
Akor Adams (Montpellier Herault, Ligue 1)
Adams has been a standout performer for Montpellier Herault and has hit the ground running in Ligue 1 since his €4.5m move from Lillestrom in the summer.
With seven goals in 10 league appearances, the former Nigeria U-20 striker is second only to France captain, Kylian Mbappe, who comfortably sits at the top of the scoring chart with 10 goals from nine appearances.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s Super Falcons Now 32nd In FIFA Ranking
Gift Emmanuel Orban (Stabæk JF)
Gift Emmanuel Orban had firstly been discovered by Torgeir Bjarmann and Thomas Finstad of Stabæk, during a showcase tournament in Nigeria.
He spent the winter of 2021–2022 training with Stabæk, and then he returned after his visa expired. He signed for Stabæk after returning to Norway in late May 2022. The transfer from Nigerian club Bison was a loan with an option to buy.
He scored his first goals in cup matches against semi-professional teams Notodden and Gjovik-Lyn. After this he became a starting player for Stabæk. His goal against SK Brann was compared to Alanzinho’s time at Stabæk. VG also called him a “striker jewel“
The 21 year old player increased his market value to €20.00m in the current year due to his outstanding performance
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Bundesliga)
Leverkusen’s best signing of the summer and possibly the best signing in Europe beaten perhaps by only Jude Bellingham.
Boniface has been in fine form for Bayer Leverkusen, scoring 10 goals in 13 appearances across all competitions. His current market value stands at €40.00m
Nigeria is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with a passion for football. It shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s pushing out talented players in such high numbers.
Hopefully, more of the talents from Nigeria will be discovered in the coming years, getting the chance to play at some of the top clubs in the world. And then, our list of the most valuable Nigerian players will be even longer.