Rivers United Top NPFL Most Valuable Clubs as Rangers Chase Close Behind

Money does not always win trophies, but it says a lot about a club's squad.

According to the latest Transfermarkt valuations for the Nigeria Premier Football League, Rivers United have the most valuable squad in the country, narrowly finishing ahead of reigning champions Rangers International.

The combined market value of all 20 NPFL clubs stands at €30.40 million, with 822 registered players carrying an average market value of €37,000.

Rivers United top the rankings with a squad worth €2.18 million. Their 34-man squad is also the smallest among the top clubs, yet it has the league's highest average player value at €64,000.

Rangers sit just behind on €2.16 million. The Flying Antelopes have built a squad based on quality rather than size, with an average player valuation of €60,000, the second-highest in the league.

Ikorodu City continue their remarkable rise, ranking third with a squad value of €2.02 million, while Remo Stars are fourth on €1.88 million despite suffering relegation last season.

The rest of the top 10 is made up of:

• Bendel Insurance – €1.73m

• Barau FC – €1.70m

• Plateau United – €1.68m

• Enyimba – €1.65m

• Abia Warriors – €1.62m

• Shooting Stars – €1.75m (ranked above Bendel Insurance, Barau, Plateau United, Enyimba and Abia Warriors by value)

While Rivers United currently lead the financial rankings, market value does not guarantee success on the pitch.

Rangers proved that last season by winning the NPFL title despite having a slightly lower squad valuation than Rivers United. Likewise, Remo Stars' relegation shows that expensive squads can still struggle when results do not follow.

For clubs across the league, the challenge remains the same: turn squad value into silverware.