Sports

Top five most valuable African strikers in 2023

Published

11 months ago

December 15, 2023

The year 2023 has been one of the most productive in terms of outstanding performances from African football stars, with many of them hugging the headlines in their respective European club sides.

The year saw Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen. breaking all sorts of records in the Italian Serie A, and ended up as the first African to win the highest goal award with his 26 goals, leading Napoli to its first Scudetto in 33 years.

Several other African players also pulled up spectacular performances which shot their stocks high and placed them at par with their European counterparts.

Egyptian captain and Liverpool winger, Mohamed Salah, Brentford’s Cameroonian striker, Bryan Mbeumo, Bayer Leverkusen’s Nigerian striker, Victor Boniface, and Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forests gall fall into this category.

The year also saw some outstanding performances from African strikers which further highlighted the continent’s growing influence in the global football market.

Their performances also set them apart as some of the most valuable and impactful players in the world of football.

Today, Africanewswatch.com
takes a look at the top five most valuable African strikers as of 2023.

1. Victor Osimhen – Nigeria (€120 million)

Victor Osimhen, the current African Footballer of the Year is the most valuable African striker with a price tag of €120 million, which could rise to €130 million when he signs a new contract extension in the coming days.

The 24-year-old Nigerian sensation saw his stock rise astronomically after leading Napoli to its first league title in over three decades.

Osimhen is now the most sought-after striker in world football with top European clubs like Real Madrid, Arsenal, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Chelsea angling to get him in the next transfer window.

Mohamed Salah – Egypt (€65 million)

The Egyptian captain is considered one of the greatest African players has continued to excel at Liverpool with scintillating performances every other week. With 14 goals so far this season, Salah’s value has continued to rise, seeing him take second spot on our list of most valuable African striker in 2023.

Victor Boniface – Nigeria (€40 million)

From practical obscurity to superstardom, Victor Boniface has plummeted his stock to become one of the most valuable striker on the continent.

The Bayer Leverkusen star has had a sensational season, scoring 14 goals in 21 games and is part of a growing list of Nigerian players making significant impacts in European football.

Bryan Mbeumo – Cameroon (€35 million)

Cameroonian and Brentford striker, comes in at fourth position on the list of the most valuable strikers from Africa.

The 24-year-old forward has so far scored seven goals in the EPL this season with his performances ear-marking him for greater heights.

Taiwo Awoniyi – Nigeria (€30 million)

Another Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi, who plies his trade with Nottingham Forest in the EPL is valued at 30 million after an impressive first where his goals helped his team stay in the Premier League.

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Sports

South Africa FA President Danny Jordaan detained. Here’s why

Published

6 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Ifeoluwa Dada

Danny Jordaan, the president of the South African Football Association (SAFA), was taken into custody on Wednesday on suspicion of misusing the organization’s funds for personal gain.

On Tuesday, Jordaan, who played a key role in securing South Africa’s hosting of the 2010 World Cup, attempted to have his impending arrest stopped by a court. The case is postponed until Dec. 5.

The matter has been postponed until December 5. Jordaan, who was given 20,000 rand ($1,110) bail, says he has done nothing wrong.

The police raid on the SAFA headquarters in March is what led to the arrest.

Between 2014 and 2018, “the president of SAFA used the organization’s resources for his gain, including hiring a private security company for his protection and a public relations company, without authorisation from the SAFA board,” according to a police spokesperson at the time.

Jordaan, 73, appeared in Palm Ridge magistrates court together with his co-accused, SAFA chief financial officer Gronie Hluyo, and businessman Trevor Neethling, who was also given bail.

They have been advised not to communicate with any of the 19 possible state witnesses on the list who may testify against them.

Sports

Ghanaians in tears as Black Stars fail to make AFCON 2025y

Published

1 day ago

November 16, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghanaians in tears as Black Stars fail to make AFCON 202

Football lovers in Ghana have been thrown into sadness following the failure of their national team, the Black Stars, to qualify for the 2025 AFCON, the first time in 20 years.

The four-time African champions missed out on the continental soccer fiesta after a lackluster 1-1 draw against Angola on Friday night.

The Black Stars needed to win away in Luanda to take their qualification bid to the final round of Group F fixtures and looked on course when captain Jordan Ayew opened scoring for the visitors on 18 minutes, 6 only for Ambrosini ‘Zini’ Salvador to equalise after 64 minutes for already-qualified Group F winners Angola.

The draw left Ghana bottom of the table with three points, four adrift of Sudan in the second qualifying place, with one round of match left.

In other matches played on Friday, minnows Comoros defied all odds to qualify for the tournament scheduled for Morocco next year alongside Mali, Zambia and Zimbabwe, bringing the number of countries that have so far qualified to 19, with five places up for grabs to complete the 24-team finalsyy.

Kamory Doumbia’s first-half goal gave Mali a 1-0 win in Mozambique, with the game going ahead in Maputo despite street protests following last month’s disputed presidential election to book their spot in Morocco.

Zambia moved to the summit of Group G after registering a surprise 1-0 home victory over reigning continental champions Ivory Coast, although the Elephants were already through before kick-off with the result ending Sierra Leone’s hopes of qualification.

Comoros will return to the finals after Myziane Maolida’s 90th-minute winner clinched a 2-1 victory away against The Gambia and eliminated the Scorpions in Group A.

Gambia needed at least a point to remain in the hunt and led in the 18th minute through Alassana Jatta but Rafiki Said quickly equalised for the islanders.

Comoros, who reached the last 16 on its debut at the 2021 finals but missed out on the 2023 edition, join Tunisia in progressing from Group A.

Zimbabwe needed just a point from their home game against Kenya to secure a top-two spot in Group J, and saw out a 1-1 draw against the Harambee Stars to ensure they progress alongside Cameroon.

Elsewhere, Botswana missed the opportunity to book just their second appearance at the Nations Cup after drawing 1-1 at home against Mauritania in Group C while Cape Verde were eliminated after a 1-1 stalemate at home against already-qualified Egypt.

Botswana will now need a point from their trip to Egypt on Tuesday to qualify, while Mauritania will finish second in the group if they win at home against Cape Verde and the Zebras are beaten in Cairo.

Meanwhile, South Africa defeated Uganda 2-0 in Group K and Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz scored twice as tournament hosts Morocco came from behind to win 5-1 against Gabon in Group B as all four teams were already assured of progress before kick-off.

Teams that already qualified for AFCON 2025:

Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Comoros, DR Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe.