Seven players eligible to represent the Nigerian national team have been named among the 100 most valuable U21 players in the world, in a survey conducted by the CIES Football Observatory.

According to the report published on Monday, December 4, Leicester City's Young Player of the Year Wilfred Ndidi is the eleventh most valuable U21 footballer in the world, with his transfer value increasing from 48.7 million euros to 64.8 million euros, a 33 percent increase.

The Nigeria international midfielder is the highest ranked African on the list and is ahead of Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham (25th), Arsenal's Alex Iwobi (34th), Dominic Solanke (55th), Kelechi Iheanacho (56th), Ademola Lookman (71st) and Jordon Ibe (86th).

Iwobi's transfer value has reduced from €36.2 million to €31.5 million, while Iheanacho's value has reduced to €19.4m after spending less minutes on the pitch following his transfer to Leicester City. 

PSG striker Kylian Mbappe (€182.8 million) is currently the most expensive U21 player in world football, followed by Tottenham's Dele Alli (€180.2 million) and Manchester City's Leroy Sane (€124.5 million).

Seven of the eleven players with the highest transfer values for U21 players represent English Premier League clubs, including Wilfred Ndidi.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel