Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface named Nigeria's most valuable player at N131b 

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface has overtaken Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen as the most valuable Nigerian player in the world. 

According to the statisticians at respected Swiss-based CIES Football Observatory, Boniface now has a market value of 86.5 million euros (approximately N131 billion in Nigerian currency), making him the most expensive Nigerian player in the world. 

The CIES Football Observatory's statistical model explains more than 85% of the differences in the fees invested by clubs on the basis of criteria such as age, length of contract, minutes, the proportion of the latter as a starter, the sporting level of matches played, results, the economic strength of the player's club and league, that of potential buyers and the level of inflation.

Boniface enjoyed a breakout season at Bayer Leverkusen, helping Die Werkself win the domestic double (German Bundesliga and DFB Pokal) and reach the final of the Europa League. 

In his debut season in Germany, he  registered 31 goal involvements (21 goals, 10 assists) in 34 all-competition appearances.

His superb start to life in Germany earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award, following his Rookie of the Month wins for August, September, October, and November.

Boniface is the 48th most expensive player in the world, an honour he shares with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon. 

Reigning African Footballer of the Year, Osimhen, who has a release clause of around 130 million euros, is valued at 85.6 million euros and has been ranked the 51st most expensive player on the planet.

Jude Bellingham (€280.4m), Erling Haaland (€255.3m), Vinícius Júnior (€240.8m), Rodrygo Goes (€220.7m) and Phil Foden (€203.8m) are the top five most valuable players in the world. 

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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