SPORTS
Nigeria Squad Value Dips as AFCON Expectations Grow
The Africa Cup of Nations is underway in Morocco, with Nigeria’s Super Eagles among the 16 teams that made it to the knockout stage after three rounds of group matches.
As Africa’s biggest football showpiece gathers momentum, the spotlight has again fallen on the continent’s elite players, many of whom are seeking to cement their status as national icons.
More than 30 Premier League players are involved in the tournament, including Mohamed Salah, who left Liverpool supporters guessing with a cryptic farewell message, and Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo.
Across Europe’s top leagues, several other stars are expected to shape the competition, among them Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has already made headlines by ending a nine-match goal drought against Tunisia, a reminder of his enduring influence for the Super Eagles.Ivory Coast arrived in Morocco as defending champions, while Egypt remained the tournament’s most successful side with seven titles. Yet with squad values increasingly shaping expectations, the balance of power could shift as the competition unfolds.
Senegal boasts the highest squad market value at the tournament, estimated at €449m, representing a 64 per cent rise compared with their €274.4m valuation two years ago. Under head coach Pape Thiaw, they will hope to replicate the success of four years ago, when they lifted the trophy, having suffered a round of 16 exit at the hands of Ivory Coast in the last edition.
With attacking options such as Ismaila Sarr, Iliman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson, Senegal possesses the firepower to challenge deep into the tournament. Jackson, now at Bayern Munich, is the most valuable player in their squad at €50m, ahead of Everton’s Ndiaye at €45m. Crystal Palace winger Sarr and Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr are each valued at €35m, while Sunderland’s Habib Diarra adds further Premier League pedigree at €32m.
Morocco, hosts of this year’s finals, have also recorded a significant climb. Their squad valuation has risen by 26.3 per cent, from €347.4m to €438.65m, driven largely by the continued ascent of Achraf Hakimi and a core of players established across Europe’s elite leagues. That financial strength mirrors the growing expectation for the Atlas Lions to finally convert home advantage into continental success.
Defending champions Ivory Coast present a contrasting picture. Their squad value has remained largely static, increasing marginally by 1.3 per cent from €334.58m to €339.03m.
Nigeria, runners-up two years ago, are among the leading contenders once again as the fourth most valuable team at the event. However, it has been 12 years since the Super Eagles last won the title, and current squad valuations tell a more sobering story.
The Super Eagles’ overall market value has dropped by 18 per cent since 2023, falling from €349m to €286.5m. This decline is largely due to Osimhen’s valuation decreasing from €110m to €75m following his move to Galatasaray.
Despite this, Nigeria remain blessed with match winners, including Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who has contributed to four goals at the tournament so far, valued at €40m, and Fulham duo Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi, both of whom are expected to play key roles.
Cameroon also entered calculations as potential dark horses. Their squad value has risen by 85 per cent since the last tournament, one of the sharpest increases across all competing nations, placing them at €254m overall. Much of their valuation surge is driven by Mbeumo, now at Manchester United, whose value stands at €75m following his summer move from Brentford. Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, valued at €60m, has also been linked with a switch to Old Trafford, while defender Enzo Boyomo and forward Karl Etta Eyong further strengthen the squad’s profile.
Perhaps the most dramatic growth belongs to South Africa. Although still among the lowest valued squads overall, Bafana Bafana have recorded a 139.8 per cent increase, from €18.68m to €44.8m, reflecting improved exposure for domestic-based players and a gradual rebuilding process bearing financial fruit.
While these continue their push for the continental crown, Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi stands out as the most valuable player at the tournament. Valued at €80m, the Paris Saint-Germain right back carries the hopes of a host nation seeking their first AFCON title since 1976 and their first final appearance in 21 years.
Hakimi’s valuation is particularly striking, given that defenders are typically priced lower than forwards.
Osimhen remains Nigeria’s most valuable asset and one of the tournament’s headline names. Two years ago, he was among Europe’s most coveted strikers during his time at Napoli, and although his value has dipped since his move to Turkey, his importance to Nigeria has not diminished. He has scored 12 goals in 16 matches for his club this season and boasts 32 goals in 47 appearances for the Super Eagles.
Teammate Frank Onyeka has described him as a player “on a different level”, capable of frightening any defence.
Cameroon’s hopes are similarly tied to Mbeumo, who has seven goals in 27 international appearances and will aim to drive them beyond their round of 16 finish two years ago. Egypt, meanwhile, may rely heavily on Omar Marmoush, valued at €65m, with Mohamed Salah’s form under scrutiny. Marmoush has spoken of Egypt’s ambition to challenge for an eighth title, insisting the quality within the squad justifies lofty expectations.
Further down the valuation list, Baleba’s €60m price tag underlines his growing reputation, while Bayern striker Nicolas Jackson, valued at €50m, will relish the chance to lead Senegal’s attack with regular minutes at the international level.
As Nigeria continues its campaign, squad values may shape narratives, but history suggests AFCON often defies financial logic. For the Super Eagles, belief remains that individual quality, led by Osimhen and supported by a balanced squad under Eric Chelle, can once again bridge the gap between potential and continental glory.
Two-time World Cup champions France will on Tuesday take on Spain, the reigning European champions and 2010 FIFA World Cup champions, in a match dubbed the “Clash of the Titans.”
It is the first semi-final fixture and one of the most anticipated match-ups of the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup being hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
France is aiming for a third consecutive World Cup final appearance, led by the attacking prowess of Captain Kylian Mbappé.
Mbappé, as expected, has dominated the tournament, taking his performances to another level as he leads the scoring chart with eight goals and three assists.
He is a force to be reckoned with, and his brilliance has inspired teammates such as Ousmane Dembélé, the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year.
Together with Michael Olise, they have tormented opposing defences and given French fans the belief that 2026 could be their year.
France has been one of the standout teams at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
They reached the semi-finals with an unbeaten run and have looked strong in both attack and defence.
They defeated Senegal 3-1, Iraq 3-0 and Norway 4-1 to finish top of their group with three wins from three matches.
In the Round of 32, France beat Sweden 3-0 before edging Paraguay 1-0 in the Round of 16, with Mbappé converting a penalty.
In the quarter-finals, they defeated tournament favourites Morocco 2-0, thanks to goals from Mbappé and Dembélé, to advance to the semi-finals.
Mbappé and Dembélé have been among the tournament’s most dangerous attacking players.
Together, they have scored 13 goals, matching a World Cup record for a pair of teammates.
France’s next challenge is a blockbuster semi-final against Spain, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
Similarly, Spain, the reigning European champions, have impressed with their possession-based football and the emergence of young stars such as Lamine Yamal.
While France has been the tournament’s highest-scoring side, Spain has combined strong defensive performances with midfield dominance.
Spain has also been one of the standout teams at the World Cup, reaching the semi-finals for the first time since winning the tournament in 2010.
They finished top of Group H, defeating Uruguay 1-0, thrashing Saudi Arabia 4-0 and playing out a goalless draw against a resilient Cabo Verde side.
They maintained their impressive form by crushing Austria 3-0 in the Round of 32.
They defeated Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal 1-0 in a keenly contested and thrilling Round of 16 encounter, courtesy of a late winner from Mikel Merino.
Spain eliminated Belgium 2-1 in the quarter-finals, with Merino once again scoring the decisive late goal.
So far, Spain has conceded only one goal on the way to the semi-finals, making them one of the tournament’s strongest defensive teams.
They joined Argentina, France and England as the four top-ranked nations to reach the semi-finals, marking a historic first since the FIFA World Rankings were introduced.
Spain’s clash against the highly rated France promises to be a fascinating semi-final, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
It is expected to be a mouth-watering tactical battle between France’s pace on the counter-attack and Spain’s patient possession game.
Meanwhile, as football fans across the globe eagerly await the encounter, supporters in Lagos are equally excited.
Femi Oshisami, a trader, said he was confident Spain would eliminate France because of his passion for Spanish football, which he considers superior to the French style.
He believes Spain is hungry for another major title after winning the current European Championship and looks capable of repeating the feat at the World Cup.
“It is going to be very explosive, a match to behold, and I am confident Spain will win at the end,” Oshisami said.
Similarly, Emeka Chukwura said he is a big fan of Mbappé and believes France is unstoppable because the team possesses the quality to break down any opposition in the competition.
“I have my money on France. They have a great team with players of different qualities who are basically world-class.
“They are aiming for a third consecutive appearance in the final, which is a credit to their hard work and consistency,” Chukwura said.
In the same vein, Yussuf Tijani, a shoe cobbler, said the World Cup has been very interesting and highly competitive.
He said he was heartbroken when the African teams were eliminated but still supports France because of the presence of players of African descent in the squad.
“I believe France will beat Spain to reach the final. They are a good team and have the capability to handle any kind of pressure,” Tijani said.
England will wear their all-white home kit to face Argentina in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Holders Argentina will be in their navy blue away strip, with black shorts and socks, for the game at the Atlanta Stadium (20:00 BST).
They have only worn the darker kit once during the tournament, in their 3-1 win against Jordan in the group stage.
Argentina have enjoyed success in their away kit against England at previous World Cups.
They defeated the Three Lions 2-1 in the 1986 quarter-finals, in which Diego Maradona scored the ‘Hand of God’ goal, and also secured a last-16 penalty shootout victory over their old rivals at the 1998 tournament in France.
The home and away kits were reversed in 2002 for their group-stage match in Japan, with England claiming a 1-0 victory in red while Argentina wore their traditional striped kit.
Media outlets in Argentina have reported the team requested to wear the away kit in favour of their usual light blue and white strip for Wednesday’s last-four tie.
FIFA’S preference is for each team to wear its first-choice colours, but if there is a potential clash it will follow steps to ensure an acceptable colour contrast is found.
Football’s world governing body also tries to make sure there is a dark-kit and light-kit colour contrast, in the interests of fans with colour vision deficiency (colour blindness).
England booked their place in the semi-finals with a 2-1 extra-time victory against Norway on Saturday, while Argentina claimed a dramatic 3-1 win over 10-man Switzerland, also in extra time, on Sunday.
Confédération Africaine de Football Président Dr. Patrice Motsepe has expressed sadness over the death of South Africa international and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
In a condolence message, Motsepe described the 25-year-old as a player who represented South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and was part of the Mamelodi Sundowns side that won the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in Rabat.
On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Motsepe extended his condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), its president Dr. Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and Adams’ family.
“On behalf of CAF and its 54 Member Associations, Dr. Motsepe conveys his heartfelt condolences to the South African Football Association (SAFA), and its President, Dr. Danny Jordaan, Mamelodi Sundowns Football Club and to the Family of Jayden Adams,” the Saturday statement said.
Before joining Mamelodi Sundowns, Adams played for Stellenbosch FC and had recently become a regular member of the South African national team, Bafana Bafana.
Motsepe concluded the tribute with a prayer for the late midfielder.
“May Jayden Adam’s Soul Rest in Peace.”
It was reported on Saturday that Adams died just weeks after representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The midfielder featured in all three of Bafana Bafana’s group-stage matches as the team reached the knockout stage for the first time before being eliminated by co-hosts Canada in the round of 32.
Adams, who made his senior international debut in 2022, also helped South Africa reach the semi-finals of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
He began his professional career with Stellenbosch FC before joining Mamelodi Sundowns in January 2025, where he won the South African Premiership title and the 2026 CAF Champions League.
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, announced Adams’ death on Saturday in a statement, describing it as a huge loss to the country’s football community.
The statement read, “It is with profound shock and a heavy heart that I have learnt of the passing of Jayden Adams.
Authorities have not confirmed the cause of his death, with South African police saying an investigation is underway.
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