Six Nigerians ranked among NWSL’s Most Valuable African Players

By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde

Six Nigerian stars have been named among the top 12 most valuable African players in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), underlining the country’s growing influence in the United States’ top-flight women’s competition.

The players are Gift Monday, Michelle Alozie, Uchenna Kanu, Nicole Payne, Deborah Abiodun, and Chiamaka Okwuchukwu

Gift Monday of Washington Spirit is the highest-ranked Nigerian on the list, valued at £300,000.

She sits in third place overall, behind Temwa Chawinga (£900,000) and Barbra Banda (£750,000).

Other Nigerians on the List

Michelle Alozie – £80,000 (6th place)

Uchenna Kanu – £55,000 (7th place)

Nicole Payne – £45,000 (8th place)

Deborah Abiodun – £40,000 (10th place)

Chiamaka Okwuchukwu – £30,000 (11th place)

Côte d’Ivoire’s Kouassi Rosemonde (£250,000) and Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji (£250,000) complete the top five, while Zambia’s Prisca Chilufya (£45,000) and Grace Chanda (£30,000) sit between and around Nigeria’s representatives.

Oluwaseun Oyediji

Oluwaseun Babatunde Oyediji is a multi-media sports journalist with over 10 years experience in Information Communication Technology (ICT), women's football, and beach soccer reportage.The prolific writer is the Media Assistant to Nigeria Beach Soccer League and Africa Beach Soccer Union as well as contributor on Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) website.He has covered multiple national and international football tournaments including Championship of African Nations (CHAN 2020), CAF Women's Champions League (2023), and Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023).Since 2021, Oyediji has covered the NWFL Premiership especially the season ending Super Six Playoffs.A member of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Ogun state chapter is also the image maker of the Remo Sports Development Council under the leadership of Chief Falilat Ogunkoya and David Osuolale.

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