Lookman, Boniface lead market value slide

Nigerian football stars faced a considerable downturn in their market values across Europe's top leagues in the 2025/26 season, with Ademola Lookman and Victor Boniface leading the sharp decline. Factors such as injuries, unsuccessful transfers, subpar performance, and limited playing opportunities contributed to this valuation slide, impacting Nigeria's overall squad worth.

Victor Boniface experienced the most dramatic fall, with his market value dropping from around €40 million to just €5 million. This decline followed a failed transfer to AC Milan due to medical concerns and a subsequent loan spell at Werder Bremen, where he failed to score in 11 Bundesliga appearances. A knee surgery in January further ended his season, and he has since returned to his parent club, Bayer Leverkusen.

Ademola Lookman also saw a significant decrease in his value, falling from a peak of €60 million to €40 million. After a successful period that included winning the UEFA Europa League and being named CAF Player of the Year, his on-field output diminished. A proposed move to Inter Milan fell through, and after reportedly requesting a transfer, he was sold to Atletico Madrid for approximately €40 million.

Other Super Eagles players also saw their market prices tumble. Taiwo Awoniyi's value dropped from €30 million to €8 million due to a prolonged goal drought and limited playing time at Nottingham Forest. Terem Moffi's decline began earlier due to a serious ACL injury, compounded by an incident with angry supporters after a match, which affected his relationship with his club, Nice.