Victor Boniface shocks Victor Osimhen to become Nigeria's most valuable player - and third in Africa

Victor Boniface's blistering form for Bayer Leverkusen has seen the Nigerian striker overtake his compatriot Victor Osimhen as the most valuable Nigerian player in a CIES Football Observatory report.

The 23-year-old was instrumental as Leverkusen claimed a historic Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal double, netting 21 goals and providing nine assists across all competitions.

Boniface's remarkable exploits have seen his transfer value rocket to an eye-watering €86.5m, ranking him the 49th most valuable player in world football according to the CIES statistical model.

Despite another prolific campaign for Napoli, Osimhen finds himself edged out by his international team-mate, with a valuation of €85.6m placing him 51st worldwide and fourth in Africa.

Chelsea's Senegalese striker Nicolas Jackson tops the African rankings at €99.3m, with Ghana's Mohammed Kudus (€89.6m) sandwiched between the two Nigerians.

Despite his soaring value in the transfer market, the Leverkusen main man seems to have struggled to prove himself to new Super Eagles coach Finidi George. 

Boniface played just 45 minutes as a second half substitute as Finidi’s Nigeria continued its shaky form in the World Cup with one draw and defeat to South Africa and Benin Republic respectively.

The CIES model rates Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham as the world's most valuable player at €280m following his stellar first season in Spain.

The model's valuations are based on over 5,500 transfer fees paid, factoring in criteria such as age, contract length, game time, performances, and the economic strength of selling and buying clubs.

With the transfer window looming, Boniface's soaring stock could spark a fierce scramble for the Nigerian's signature this summer.