Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in African football, producing some of the most talented players who have not only excelled on the continent but have also made significant impacts on the global stage. With Nigerian footballers gracing the top leagues in Europe and beyond, their skills, dedication, and hard work have earned them substantial financial rewards.
In this article, we delve into the top 10 highest-paid Nigerian football players, highlighting the individuals who have not only brought pride to their nation but have also secured lucrative contracts with some of the biggest clubs in the world. All salary information we presented here is freely available on salarysport.com. These players, through their performances and consistency, have set the benchmark for future generations, proving that with talent and perseverance, the financial rewards in football can be truly remarkable.
The top 10 highest paid players that we are going to cover here are:
- Victor Osimhen (Napoli) – £113,000 per week
- Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – £75,000 per week
- Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City) – £60,000 per week
- Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan) – £55,000 per week
- Alex Iwobi (Fulham) – £50,000 per week
- Moses Simon (Nantes) – £45,000 per week
- Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) – £30,000 per week
- William Troost-Ekong (PAOK) – £25,000 per week
- Frank Onyeka (Brentford) – £22,000 per week
- Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) – £20,000 per week
1. Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen, born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, is one of Africa’s most promising football talents. He started his professional career at Wolfsburg in Germany after excelling in Nigeria’s youth leagues. However, it was his move to Lille in 2019 that truly highlighted his potential. At Lille, Osimhen’s pace, physicality, and goal-scoring prowess earned him a transfer to Napoli in 2020 for a club-record fee.
In Serie A, he has become one of the league’s top strikers, known for his lethal finishing and aerial ability. Osimhen also plays a crucial role for the Nigerian national team, where he is a consistent goal scorer. His contributions were vital in helping Nigeria secure a bronze medal in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
Salary and Earnings: Victor Osimhen is the highest-paid Nigerian footballer, earning approximately £113,000 per week at Napoli. His yearly earnings total around £5.9 million, making him one of the top earners in Serie A.
2. Wilfred Ndidi
Wilfred Ndidi, born on December 16, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a defensive midfielder known for his exceptional tackling and intercepting skills. He began his professional career with Genk in Belgium, where his performances attracted the attention of Leicester City. Ndidi joined Leicester in January 2017 and quickly established himself as one of the Premier League’s top defensive midfielders.
His ability to break up play and shield the defense has made him a cornerstone of Leicester’s midfield. Ndidi is also a key player for the Nigerian national team, contributing significantly to their successes in international competitions.
Salary and Earnings: Wilfred Ndidi earns approximately £75,000 per week at Leicester City, with his annual salary totaling about £3.9 million. His earnings reflect his status as one of the top defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Nididi has reportedly declined advertising deals with local betting operators like Linebet and Fansport.
3. Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Iheanacho, born on October 3, 1996, in Imo State, Nigeria, is a versatile forward who began his career at Manchester City. He gained prominence after winning the FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria in 2013, where he was named the tournament’s best player. At Manchester City, Iheanacho became known for his knack for scoring crucial goals, often coming off the bench.
In 2017, he moved to Leicester City, where he has continued to develop, contributing with both goals and assists. Iheanacho is also an important player for the Nigerian national team, often used as a forward or attacking midfielder.
Salary and Earnings: Kelechi Iheanacho earns around £60,000 per week at Leicester City, amounting to approximately £3.1 million per year. His salary highlights his value as a forward who can make significant contributions both as a starter and a substitute.
4. Samuel Chukwueze
Samuel Chukwueze, born on May 22, 1999, in Umuahia, Nigeria, is a dynamic winger known for his speed and dribbling. He began his European career with Villarreal in Spain, where his performances quickly caught the attention of top clubs. In 2023, Chukwueze made a significant move to AC Milan. He is a key player for both his club and the Nigerian national team, where his ability to take on defenders and create chances makes him a valuable asset.
Chukwueze’s playing style is often compared to that of Arjen Robben due to his tendency to cut inside from the right wing and shoot with his left foot.
Salary and Earnings: At AC Milan, Samuel Chukwueze earns approximately £55,000 per week, with annual earnings of about £2.9 million. His move to Milan has significantly increased his earnings and reflects his growing reputation in European football.
5. Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi, born on May 3, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, is a versatile midfielder and winger who started his professional career at Arsenal. Iwobi is known for his technical skills, dribbling, and vision on the field. After several successful seasons with Arsenal, where he won the FA Cup, Iwobi transferred to Everton in 2019 for a significant fee.
At Everton, he further established himself as a reliable Premier League player, capable of playing in multiple attacking positions. Iwobi has also been a regular for the Nigerian national team since his debut, playing in major tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations.
Salary and Earnings: Alex Iwobi earns about £50,000 per week at Fulham, with his annual salary totaling around £2.6 million. His earnings reflect his importance to his club and the Nigerian national team.
6. Moses Simon
Moses Simon, born on July 12, 1995, in Jos, Nigeria, is a winger who plays for Nantes in Ligue 1. Known for his pace and ability to beat defenders, Simon began his career in Europe with Gent in Belgium before moving to Spain with Levante and eventually settling in France. At Nantes, he has become one of the key players, contributing both goals and assists regularly.
Simon is also a regular member of the Nigerian national team, where he plays a crucial role on the wings, providing width and pace.
Salary and Earnings: Moses Simon earns approximately £45,000 per week at Nantes, translating to an annual income of around £2.3 million. His salary is a testament to his value in Ligue 1 and for the Nigerian national team.
7. Ola Aina
Ola Aina, born on October 8, 1996, in London, England, is a versatile full-back who can play on both sides of the defense. Aina began his career at Chelsea, coming through their youth system but spent most of his time out on loan, including a successful spell at Torino in Serie A. In 2023, Aina moved to Nottingham Forest, where he continues to be a reliable defender.
Aina has represented both England and Nigeria at youth levels but ultimately chose to play for the Nigerian national team, where he has been a consistent performer.
Salary and Earnings: Ola Aina earns around £30,000 per week at Nottingham Forest, with annual earnings of approximately £1.6 million. His salary reflects his versatility and reliability as a defender.
8. William Troost-Ekong
William Troost-Ekong, born on September 1, 1993, in the Netherlands, is a central defender who plays for PAOK in Greece. Of Nigerian and Dutch descent, Troost-Ekong started his career in the Netherlands and played for clubs in Norway, Belgium, and Italy before joining PAOK. He is known for his leadership qualities and defensive solidity. Troost-Ekong has been a regular in the Nigerian national team, often serving as the captain.
He has represented Nigeria in several major tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup.
Salary and Earnings: William Troost-Ekong earns around £25,000 per week, totaling approximately £1.3 million annually. His earnings reflect his experience and leadership role both at the club and international levels.
9. Frank Onyeka
Frank Onyeka, born on January 1, 1998, in Nigeria, is a defensive midfielder currently playing for Brentford in the Premier League. Onyeka began his professional career with FC Midtjylland in Denmark, where he developed a reputation for his energy and ball-winning abilities. His performances earned him a move to Brentford in 2021.
At Brentford, Onyeka has become an important part of the midfield, known for his relentless work rate and defensive contributions. Onyeka is also a regular member of the Nigerian national team, where he continues to impress.
Salary and Earnings: Frank Onyeka earns approximately £22,000 per week at Brentford, which amounts to about £1.1 million annually. His salary underscores his growing importance in the Premier League.
10. Ademola Lookman
Ademola Lookman, born on October 20, 1997, in Wandsworth, London, is a winger known for his dribbling skills and pace. He began his career at Charlton Athletic before moving to Everton. Lookman spent time on loan at RB Leipzig in Germany, where he impressed enough to secure a permanent move. After stints in the Bundesliga and Premier League, Lookman joined Atalanta in Serie A, where he has continued to excel.
Despite being born in England, Lookman chose to represent Nigeria at the international level and has quickly become an important player for the Super Eagles.
Salary and Earnings: Ademola Lookman earns around £20,000 per week at Atalanta, bringing his annual earnings to approximately £1 million. His salary reflects his growing influence in Serie A and with the Nigerian national team.
A Few Words to Wrap Things Up
The success and earnings of these top 10 Nigerian footballers are a testament to their immense talent and dedication to the sport. As they continue to shine on the global stage, they serve as role models for aspiring footballers in Nigeria and across Africa. Their stories are not just about financial success, but also about the passion, discipline, and relentless pursuit of excellence that drives them.
As these players continue to elevate the profile of Nigerian football internationally, they inspire the next generation to dream big and aim high. Whether it’s Victor Osimhen’s goal-scoring feats in Serie A or Wilfred Ndidi’s defensive prowess in the Premier League, these athletes embody the spirit of Nigerian football, showing that the possibilities are limitless for those who dare to dream and work hard.
