The most valuable centre-backs in Nigeria are making a significant impact in European football. These players, known for their physicality, defensive intelligence, and ability to control the backline, have earned their place among the top defenders in the world. Many of these Nigerian talents are starring in Europe’s most competitive leagues, where their market values continue to rise. Let’s take a closer look at the top Nigerian centre-backs currently making waves in Europe.
Top 10 Most Valuable Center Backs in Nigeria
1. Calvin Bassey
- Age: 25 | Club: Fulham FC (England) | Market Value: €25.00m
Calvin Bassey is arguably one of the most valuable centre-backs in Nigeria right now. At 25, Bassey has already built a solid reputation playing for Fulham in the Premier League.
His versatility in defensive roles, coupled with his physicality and aerial dominance, has earned him a market value of €25 million.
Having made 33 appearances, Bassey has showcased his ability to adapt to various defensive responsibilities, proving himself as one of the standout Nigerian defenders in Europe.
2. Igoh Ogbu
- Age: 25 | Club: SK Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) | Market Value: €8.00m
Igoh Ogbu has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the most valuable centre-backs in Nigeria.
Playing for SK Slavia Prague, Ogbu has gained attention for his excellent defensive positioning and leadership on the field. With a market value of €8 million and 29 appearances, he is seen as one of the future leaders of Nigerian football.
His ability to read the game and contribute in attack with set-piece goals makes him a valuable asset in Europe.
3. Jordan Torunarigha
- Age: 27 | Club: KAA Gent (Belgium) | Market Value: €4.50m
Jordan Torunarigha has been an integral part of KAA Gent’s defensive setup in Belgium. Known for his strong physical presence and aerial ability, Torunarigha has maintained a steady market value of €4.5 million.
With 34 appearances for his club, he continues to be one of the most valuable centre-backs in Nigeria, especially in terms of his defensive leadership and tackling precision.
4. Chibuike Nwaiwu
- Age: 21 | Club: Wolfsberger AC (Austria) | Market Value: €3.00m
Chibuike Nwaiwu is an exciting young talent in European football and one of the emerging stars among the most valuable centre-backs in Nigeria.
At just 21 years old, he already has 18 appearances for Wolfsberger AC in Austria. Nwaiwu’s strong defensive performances and potential to develop further have made him a valuable prospect with a current market value of €3 million.
His defensive maturity at such a young age makes him one to watch closely in the coming seasons.
5. Gabriel Osho
- Age: 26 | Club: AJ Auxerre (France) | Market Value: €3.00m
Gabriel Osho has proven himself as one of the promising centre-backs in Ligue 1, playing for AJ Auxerre. At 26, his market value stands at €3 million, which is indicative of his growing importance to his team.
Osho’s defensive composure and leadership qualities have impressed many in France, with his 21 appearances underscoring his capabilities as one of the more valuable Nigerian centre-backs currently in European football.
6. Kevin Akpoguma
- Age: 29 | Club: TSG 1899 Hoffenheim (Germany) | Market Value: €2.50m
At 29, Kevin Akpoguma brings a wealth of experience to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga. Although his market value is €2.5 million, his leadership and reliability in defense have been crucial for Hoffenheim.
With 35 appearances to his name, Akpoguma’s experience and defensive stability make him one of the more dependable Nigerian centre-backs in Europe.
7. Emmanuel Uchenna
- Age: 21 | Club: AC Sparta Prague (Czech Republic) | Market Value: €2.00m
Emmanuel Uchenna, who plays for AC Sparta Prague, is another exciting young centre-back from Nigeria. At just 21, Uchenna’s potential is evident, and his market value of €2 million reflects his growing reputation.
With 22 appearances, Uchenna’s ability to read the game and contribute to his team’s defensive solidity has made him one of the most valuable young centre-backs in Nigeria, showing great promise for the future.
8. Chidozie Awaziem
- Age: 28 | Club: Colorado Rapids (USA) | Market Value: €2.00m
Though now playing in the MLS with Colorado Rapids, Chidozie Awaziem made his mark in European football and remains one of the most valuable centre-backs in Nigeria.
At 28, his versatility and strength in defensive situations have helped him maintain a market value of €2 million. While his time in Europe may be behind him, Awaziem’s defensive abilities still make him a solid choice for any team.
9. William Troost-Ekong
- Age: 31 | Club: Al-Kholood Club (Saudi Arabia) | Market Value: €1.80m
William Troost-Ekong, now playing for Al-Kholood Club in Saudi Arabia, is one of Nigeria’s most experienced defenders. His market value has decreased to €1.8 million, but his wealth of experience in top leagues across Europe cannot be overlooked.
Troost-Ekong’s leadership on the pitch, combined with his solid defensive performances, solidifies his place among the top Nigerian centre-backs, despite the later stages of his career.
10. Ibrahim Buhari
- Age: 23 | Club: IF Elfsborg (Sweden) | Market Value: €1.50m
Ibrahim Buhari, playing for IF Elfsborg in Sweden, is another promising Nigerian centre-back with growth potential. At just 23, Buhari’s current market value of €1.5 million reflects the early stage of his career.
Despite having fewer appearances compared to others on this list, Buhari has the opportunity to develop into one of the top centre-backs in Europe, and his future looks promising.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
