Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has seen his market valuation within Belgian football soar, same as uncapped Nigerian player Arokodare, Soccernet.ng reports.
According to the latest Belgian First Division A players valuation update from Transfermarkt, Onyedika and Arokodare have both seen their transfer valuation make the leap.
Onyedika shares second spot with Danish forward Andreas Skov Olsen, valued at €16 million. This duo is only behind Greek winger Christos Tzolis and Ecuadorian centre-back Joel Ordonez, who are worth €18 million.
Arokodare, meanwhile, is tied for eighth place with Belgian player Mathias Delorge and Japanese player Tsuyoshi Watanabe, each with a market valuation of €9 million.
Onyedika’s valuation rise: Proof of his career growth under coach Nicky Hayen
The Super Eagles star has seen his market value rise significantly as a Club Brugge player by €6 million from his previous valuation to bring his worth to €16 million.
This giant leap has seen him rise above former Premier League stars like Vincent Janssen and Samuel Edozie, as well as Kevin Mac Allister (brother of the World Cup winner with Argentina, Alexis Mac Allister).
Born in Imo State, Nigeria, Onyedika has improved drastically since making the switch from Midtjylland to Club Brugge in 2022, and became a crucial member of Nicky Hayen’s midfield setup that claimed the Belgian top-flight title last season.
His rise comes off the back of impressive performances for both club and country, which has massively boosted his confidence and increased his influence within the squad. The 23-year-old has featured 15 times this season, scoring one and providing one assist for his teammate.
Tolu Arokodare makes the top eight
Another Nigerian player among the top eight ranked is Tolu Arokodare, whose stock has risen among the most valuable players in the Belgian Pro League.
The 24-year-old Genk star is tied for eighth place with Delorge and Watanabe, each with a market valuation of €9 million.
Since moving to Genk in January, 2023, the former Valmiera forward has netted 27 goals in 74 appearances, showcasing his immense talent and dedication to the club’s goals and aspirations despite a couple of injury setbacks along the way.
Arokodare’s surge in valuation is largely due to his brilliant performances this season. He has netted 10 goals in 17 league games for Genk and contributed significantly to his teammates’ goals with three assists. This has helped the club stay atop the Belgian top flight at the time of writing.
The Festac Town-born towering striker looks set to have his best personal season with Genk, having only managed just 16 goals across his first two campaigns with The Smurfs.