Victor Osimhen vs Ademola Lookman: Europa League hero's value soars, but who is most valuable Super Eagles star in Italy?

Victor Osimhen (l) is a doubt for Nigeria's games against Benin and Rwanda due to uncertainty surrounding his future

Victor Osimhen vs Ademola Lookman: Europa League hero's value soars, but who is most valuable Super Eagles star in Italy?

Izuchukwu Akawor • Izuchukwu Akawor • 09:07 - 06.06.2024

Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman has seen his market value skyrocket after that Europa League night with Atalanta while his compatriot Victor Osimhen's value dropped.

While Atalanta and Super Eagles star Ademola Lookman may have stolen the headlines with his match-winning heroics in the Europa League final, Victor Osimhen remains Nigeria's most valuable player plying his trade in Italy's Serie A.

Lookman's stunning hat-trick performance in Atalanta's 3-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen last month has undoubtedly boosted his market value, with a reported 33% increase taking his worth up to €40 million.

Lookman vs Osimhen: Super Eagles stars in Italy

Despite Lookman’s European exploits, however, Napoli striker Osimhen still holds the crown as the most valuable Nigerian player in Italy's top flight, even as his overall market value has decreased.

According to the latest Transfermarkt data, Osimhen's value has dropped from €120 million to €110 million, following a season that saw him score just 15 goals in 25 Serie A appearances. 

Atalanta hero Ademola Lookman lifted high by his teammates.
Atalanta hero Ademola Lookman lifted high by his teammates. | Credit: IMAGO

This dip in form has seen the 25-year-old slip behind Inter Milan's Lautaro Martínez as the joint-most valuable player in the league.

While Lookman's rise has been remarkable, Osimhen remains the more valuable asset, with Napoli expected to demand a staggering €130 million should the striker depart the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer.

Victor Osimhen scored 15 goals for Napoli
Victor Osimhen scored 15 goals for Napoli (Photo Credit: Imago)

The report suggests that Lookman's Europa League heroics have had a significant impact on his market value, with the winger now considered one of the most valuable Nigerian players in Italy. 

However, Osimhen's status as the country's leading talent in Serie A remains firmly intact, despite the temporary setback in his valuation.

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Lookman is one of 23 Super Eagles stars set to do Nigeria proud against South Africa and Benin Republic in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers while Osimhen will miss the games due to an injury. 

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