Honest Ahanor, Atalanta’s rising star, has emerged as Nigeria’s highest-valued footballer under 20 years old, according to Soccernet.ng.
Transfermarkt’s recent valuation places the 17-year-old left-back, who transferred from Genoa to Atalanta this summer, at an impressive €20 million-his highest market value to date.
This surge marks a significant milestone in Ahanor’s burgeoning career.
Since his €17 million acquisition by Atalanta, Ahanor has featured in four Serie A matches and appeared twice in the UEFA Champions League. His speed, defensive intelligence, and tactical flexibility have quickly made him a standout among Italy’s young talents. His ability to operate as a centre-back or left midfielder adds to his growing reputation.
Though born in Campania to Nigerian parents and raised in Genoa, Ahanor’s entire football development has taken place within Italy’s system.
Despite his Italian upbringing, he remains eligible solely for Nigeria at the international level. Italian citizenship laws do not automatically grant nationality to children born in Italy to foreign nationals; citizenship can only be applied for after age 18 with proof of continuous residence. Consequently, Ahanor’s international allegiance currently lies with Nigeria.
With his valuation now at €20 million, Ahanor surpasses AS Monaco’s George Ilenikhena (€15 million) to claim the title of Nigeria’s most valuable teenage footballer.
The top five also features Uchenna Ogundu of Alanyaspor (€1.5 million), Vince Osuji from Club Brugge (€1.2 million), and Daniel Daga (€900,000), the promising 18-year-old midfielder for Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, widely regarded as a future Super Eagles star.
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Shifts in Nigeria’s Football Market: Bassey and Arokodare Climb as Boniface and Lookman Decline
Beyond Ahanor’s rise, several Nigerian internationals have experienced significant changes in their market values in the latest Transfermarkt update.
Victor Osimhen leads the pack, with his worth climbing to €75 million, reinforcing his position as Nigeria’s top-valued player and one of Europe’s premier forwards.
Close behind is Calvin Bassey, whose consistent performances for Fulham and Nigeria have boosted his market value to €28 million, making him the nation’s highest-rated defender.
Tolu Arokodare, who recently transferred to Wolverhampton Wanderers from Club Brugge for €26 million, has entered Nigeria’s top ten most valuable players with a current valuation of €25 million-his career peak. Although he has yet to score in the Premier League, the 24-year-old striker’s potential remains highly regarded.
Other players seeing value increases include Bright Osayi-Samuel, now valued at €7 million after his move to Birmingham from Fenerbahçe, and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, an Inter Milan prospect whose worth has doubled to €4.5 million following impressive performances with Pisa.
Chidozie Awaziem’s consistent displays for Nantes have also raised his market value to €3 million.
However, not all Nigerian players have seen their valuations rise.
Victor Boniface’s difficulties at Werder Bremen have resulted in his value dropping by half-from €40 million to €20 million-as he seeks to regain form.
Similarly, Ademola Lookman, another Atalanta player, has experienced a decline from €60 million to €40 million due to limited playing time this season.
Injuries have also impacted Taiwo Awoniyi’s value, which has decreased to €14 million following setbacks at Nottingham Forest. Meanwhile, Wilfred Ndidi’s transfer to Besiktas has not translated into a market boost, with his valuation falling to €12 million.
Veteran players Moses Simon (€10 million) and Joe Aribo (€5 million) have also seen their values reduced, with Aribo yet to make an appearance this season for Southampton.
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