The market value between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Gabon, as they prepare to face off in the 2026 World Cup playoff, is striking.
The 2013 AFCON champions is valued at an eye-watering €281 million (approximately ₦468 billion), which shows a stark difference in market worth compared to Gabon.
Yet in today’s football, numbers on paper don’t always dictate results, and the Panthers are ready to defy expectations.
Now, as expected, the next question should be on why or what has made up such a number for the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Nigeria’s squad features some of Africa’s most expensive talents, including Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, who is valued at around €75 million.
On the other hand, Gabon boasts players like Los Angeles FC’s Denis Bouanga, whose individual quality may not match Nigeria’s collective market value, but who have a proven ability to perform in crucial moments.
With so much riding on this do-or-die encounter, can Nigeria’s wealth of talent hold off a dangerous Gabonese side?
Nigeria vs Gabon: Market value of the two teams
According to Transfermarkt, Nigeria’s squad has a total market value of €281 million (₦468 billion), averaging €13.41 million per player.
Gabon, by comparison, is valued at €25.95 million, with an average of €1.04 million per player.
Normally, the sheer financial gap shows that the Super Eagles have a superior squad depth and the weight of experience on paper.
But, by previous games played by Gabon, they are more than likely to exploit tactical gaps and mental resilience to upset wealthier sides.
Can market value play a role in their clash?
While market value can serve as a criterion for talent, it does not guarantee victory. Nigeria’s highly valued squad is expected to dominate the game, but factors such as recently boycotting training ahead of a must-win clash and the high pressure from the Nigerian football fans can even the scales.
Gabon’s players may be considered less valuable, but their hunger could tip the balance. The Super Eagles will need to demonstrate more than their market value when they tackle Gabon, while Thierry Mouyouma’s men will aim to prove that determination can rival Euros.
Super Eagles vs Panthers: Most valuable player from the two teams
Galatasaray star Osimhen stands out as the Super Eagles squad’s most valuable player, with a market value of €75 million.
From Gabon, Bouanga is the star, valued at €8 million. At 31, the winger has been influential for Los Angeles FC in the MLS and for Gabon during the African zone World Cup qualifiers, finishing as one of the team’s top scorers.