Football in Nigeria is more than just a sport; it serves as a powerful catalyst for financial success, helping players secure their futures beyond the pitch. While the game delivers excitement to fans, many of the country's top footballers capitalize on their talent to amass significant wealth through high-paying contracts, endorsement deals, and smart investments.
Nigeria has long been a hub for footballing talent, consistently producing players who leave their mark in Europe's top leagues.
Today, stars like Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Wilfred Ndidi are among the highest-earning Nigerian footballers, with their incomes continuing to grow. At the same time, retired professionals are safeguarding their wealth by venturing into business and making strategic investment moves to sustain their financial stability after their playing days.
Who are the richest Nigerian footballers?
Afrik-Foot has put together a list of Nigeria’s wealthiest footballers, ranked by their estimated net worth from the least to the highest. But who claims the top spot? The figures reveal the answer.
- Samuel Chukwueze – €6 million
- Victor Osimhen – €6.8 million
- Emmanuel Emenike – €15 million
- Ahmed Musa – €23 million
- Victor Moses – €26.2 million
- Wilfred Ndidi – €30 million
- Alex Iwobi – €31 million
- Kelechi Iheanacho – €35 million
- Odion Ighalo – €38 million
- John Mikel Obi – €50 million
Samuel Chukwueze – €6 million
Samuel Chukwueze received a huge raise when he made the dream move from Villarreal to AC Milan last summer. According to Football Italia, the winger’s net salary is estimated to be around €5 million per year.
Chukwueze is currently one of Nigeria’s highest earners, thanks to his off-field endorsements and sponsorships as well.
Victor Osimhen – €6.8 million
Another Nigerian footballer who is currently raking in big bucks is Victor Osimhen. The striker joined Galatasaray on loan last summer, a move that saw his salary rise to €125,000 per week.
He has also worked as an ambassador for several big brands, including Multichoice Nigeria and Dettol. According to Salary Sport, Osimhen is worth €6.8 million. He is also heavily linked with the wealth of the Premier League – would a move to Chelsea put Osimhen on top of the list of the richest Nigerian footballers?
Emmanuel Emenike – €15 million
Emmanuel Emenike may not be active currently, but he remains one of the richest Nigerian footballers, with a net worth of around €15 million.
The veteran striker played for more than 10 teams across different countries, including South Africa, Turkey, Russia, England, Spain and Greece.
Emenike is reportedly involved in real estate and has properties worth millions of dollars in Nigeria, Dubai and London. He opened a hotel in 2023 and a 40-bed hospital in Owerri, Imo state in 2024.
Ahmed Musa – €23 million
Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa has had his fair share of big transfers in recent years, having played for CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, Al Nassr and Sivasspor. He is currently without a club, despite insisting he remains active.
The 31-year-old owns several businesses and investments. He owns the Ahmed Musa Sports and Fitness Centre, as well as many fuel stations in Nigeria. Musa has an estimated net worth of around €23 million – firmly placing him among the richest Nigerian footballers.
Victor Moses – €26.2 million
At 33, Victor Moses currently played at Championship side Luton Town.
Having played for Liverpool, Chelsea, West Ham United, Inter Milan and others, Moses has earned some big bucks over the course of his career.
According to Salary Sport, the wing-back/winger currently earned £33,000 per week at Spartak Moscow and has a net worth of €26.2 million.
Wilfred Ndidi – €30 million
Wilfred Ndidi is also one of the richest Nigerian footballers, with a net worth of around €34 million, according to Capology.
The Leicester City midfielder signed a new contract in mid-July that bumped his alary up £51,000 per week to £75,000 a week, and also has some endorsements to his name, which have shot up his net worth.
Alex Iwobi – €31 million
Alex Iwobi has played all his life in England, having lined up for Arsenal, Everton and Fulham in the English top flight.
Currently 27, Nigeria international is one of the highest earners at his current club Fulham and, according to Salary Sport, he earns around £83,000 per week.
Together with his endorsement deals, Iwobi is estimated to be worth around €31 million.
Kelechi Iheanacho – €35 million
Forward Kelechi Iheanacho is next on our list of richest Nigerian footballers.
The 27-year-old joined the Leicester City from Manchester City in 2019 and was on a weekly salary of £65,000 per week at the King Power Stadium until the expiration of his contract last summer. He subsequently joined La Liga side Sevilla; his current salary is, as yet, unknown.
According to Salary Sport, Iheanacho’s net worth is around €35 million.
Odion Ighalo – €38 million
Another Nigerian player who has seen real money in his career is Odion Ighalo. He once earned close to £300,000 per week while playing in China for Changchun Yatai.
Currently on the books of Saudi Arabian side Al-Wehda, Ighalo is still a high earner and has a net worth estimated to be around €38 million.
John Mikel Obi – €50 million
Mikel Obi retired in September but remains on top of the list of richest Nigerian footballers. The former Chelsea midfielder played in the Premier League for nearly a decade before having a short stint in China.
The last club Mikel played for Kuwait SC and it’s fair to say he has made a lot of money from his football career. Mikel’s estimated net worth is around €50 million.
