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Rivers United lead NPFL’s most valuable clubs ahead of Rangers
Rivers United are the most valuable club in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), according to the latest Transfermarkt figures, with a squad worth €2.18m at the end of last season.
The Port Harcourt club narrowly finished above reigning champions Rangers, whose squad was valued at €2.16m. Rivers United’s total is particularly notable because it was recorded with only 34 registered players, the smallest squad among the 10 highest-valued clubs.
Their average player valuation of €64,000 is also the highest in the NPFL. Rivers United have consistently challenged for league honours over the past four years and have represented Nigeria in CAF inter-club competitions in recent seasons, with their valuation reflecting their status as one of the country’s strongest football projects.
Rangers, known as the Flying Antelopes, rank second despite having only 36 players. Their squad has an average value of €60,000 per player, the second-highest figure in the league. The numbers suggest that the reigning champions have prioritised quality rather than squad size.
Lagos-based Ikorodu City are third, with a total squad value of €2.02m. Their 47 players have an average valuation of €43,000, underlining the scale of the club’s rise, which has become one of the biggest success stories in Nigerian football.
Former champions Remo Stars are fourth at €1.88m, despite being relegated from the NPFL last season. The Ikenne-based club have earned a reputation as one of Nigeria’s model organisations through their investment in youth development, coaching and modern facilities. Their progress shows how planning and continuity can deliver success without the league’s most expensive squad.
Shooting Stars, one of the country’s most historic clubs, occupy fifth place with a squad valued at €1.75m. Their average player valuation is €44,000, among the highest in the NPFL. The Ibadan club continue to benefit from passionate support and a strong boardroom structure.
Bendel Insurance are sixth, with 47 registered players worth a combined €1.73m. Each player has an average market value of €37,000. The Benin City club have steadily rebuilt their reputation since returning to the top flight.
Barau FC are seventh with a squad value of €1.70m spread across 46 players. Their inclusion is one of the more unexpected features of the rankings. The Kano-based newcomers’ rapid rise underlines their ambition to establish themselves among Nigeria’s football elite.
Plateau United rank eighth. The former NPFL champions have the largest squad in the top 10, with 49 players valued at €1.68m. Their average player valuation is €34,000, reflecting a longstanding emphasis on depth rather than relying on a small number of highly valued individuals.
Enyimba, Nigeria’s most decorated club, are ninth at €1.65m. The People’s Elephant have won nine NPFL titles and claimed consecutive CAF Champions League triumphs in 2003 and 2004. Their current squad contains 41 players, with an average value of €40,000, indicating a move away from assembling some of the league’s most expensive talent.
Abia Warriors complete the top 10 with a squad valuation of €1.62m. The Umuahia-based club have 41 registered players, averaging €39,000 each, and have built a reputation for consistent recruitment and player development rather than lavish spending.
Overall, the combined market value of all 20 NPFL clubs is €30.40m. The league has 822 registered players, with an average individual valuation of €37,000. Market values are influenced by factors including age, recent performances, international experience and transfer potential, although spending remains relatively low compared with many other African leagues.