Football is a beautiful game that has united millions. It is not just a game but a profession that provides lucrative opportunities for talented individuals. Football has become a source of pride in Nigeria. Numerous players from the country have graced the international stage and earned handsome rewards.
These athletes aren't just paid for their fancy footwork. Many footballers also benefit from endorsement deals and selling merchandise with their names on it. Considering all these income streams, we've compiled a list of some of the wealthiest Nigerian footballers. They include the following big names:
Odion Ighalo (£29.7 million)
Al-Wehda striker Ighalo is the wealthiest professional footballer on our list. He has represented the Super Eagles 37 times. The pinnacle of his illustrious career came in 2020 when he joined English giant Manchester United on loan from Shanghai Shenhua. Ighalo spent four lucrative years plying his trade in the Chinese Super League. During this period, he received £300,000 weekly. He has since moved to Saudi Arabia and currently plays for Al-Wehda.
Wilfred Ndidi (£27.4 million)
This defensive midfield maestro has played most of his football at Leicester City. Before joining in 2017, he played for two years at Genk. With a steady weekly salary of £75,000 since 2018, it makes sense that Ndidi’s current net worth is at £27.4 million. The Nigerian International has 54 senior national caps.
Alex Iwobi (£21.1 million)
Alex Iwobi is a product of the Arsenal youth system. He spent his early years at Arsenal, making 100 career appearances for the Gunners. Afterward, he secured a lucrative deal with Everton, where he spent four years. He currently earns £83,000 gross in Fulham, making him one of the richest Nigerian footballers.
Victor Moses (£20.5 million)
Nigerian winger Victor Moses, who also represented England at youth level, has carved out a successful career across Europe's top leagues. During his 17-year career, Moses has donned the colors of prestigious clubs like Chelsea, Liverpool, and Inter Milan. His talent is currently on display at Spartak Moscow, where he earns £33,000 gross per week.
Ahmed Musa (£18 million)
Ahmed Musa is one of Nigeria’s longest-serving players. He was part of Nigeria’s team in the 2024 AFCON competition. He has played for notable clubs like Leicester City and CSKA Moscow. His two-year stint at Al-Nassr saw him earn £60,000 per week. Musa has since switched to Turkey, where he plays for Sivasspor each week.
Kelechi Iheanacho (£9.4 million)
The 27-year-old striker and FIFA U17 World Cup winner came through the Manchester City youth system. He moved to Leicester City in 2017 and currently plays there. Kelechi earns £80,000 net per week, and his £9.4 million net worth puts him in our top 11.
Victor Osimhen (£8.6 million)
The 25-year-old Nigerian sensation plays for the Italian giants – Napoli. He has made 35 appearances and scored 21 goals for the national team. He currently earns £8.7 million per year at Napoli. His £8.6 million net worth earns him the 7th position on our list.
Taiwo Awoniyi (£6.3 million)
Nigerian striker Taiwo Awoniyi spent his early years at Liverpool but never made a senior appearance. Despite being on Liverpool's books between 2015 and 2021, he gained experience away from the club thanks to numerous loan spells. He moved permanently to Union Berlin in 2021; Awoniyi impressed in Germany and earned a move back to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. The Nigerian striker earns £50,000 per week.
Emmanuel Dennis (£6.3 million)
The 26-year-old Nigerian is currently on loan at Watford from Nottingham Forest. He will earn £40,000 weekly until his contract ends with Nottingham Forest in 2026. He is number 9 on the top 11 Nigerian footballers list.
Joe Aribo (£5.5 million)
Joe Aribo plays for English Championship side Southampton. The London-born midfielder began his career at the Kinetic Academy in London before eventually moving to Rangers in 2019. He made his move to Southampton in 2022. He is the highest earner at the club, receiving £70,000 weekly. He has 34 international caps for Nigeria.
Samuel Chukwueze (£3.9 million)
Samuel Chukwueze is famous for his blazing speed and sizzling tricks down the right wing. At 20 years, he secured a lucrative first-team deal with Villareal and made 155 appearances for the club. He moved to AC Milan in 2023 and currently earns £89,000 weekly. His £3.9 million net worth puts him at number 11 on our list.
