Who are the highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2025?

Nigeria remains a powerhouse in African football, boasting a wealth of talented players who ply their trade in various leagues across the world.

These footballers not only showcase their skills on grand stages but also earn substantial wages for their contributions to their respective clubs.

This article explores the ten highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2025, ranked in descending order based on their earnings. The salary figures have been sourced from publicly accessible databases, including Capology.com, and converted to U.S. dollars using current exchange rates.

Top 10 highest paid Nigerian footballers

Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) – Defender – $2.6 million
Calvin Bassey (Fulham) – Defender – $2.9 million
Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) – Striker – $3.2 million
Joe Aribo (Southampton) – Midfielder – $4.5 million
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – Midfielder – $5 million
Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough/Sevilla) – Forward – $5 million
Alex Iwobi (Fulham) – Midfielder – $5.1 million
Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan) – Winger – $5.4 million
Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) – Striker – $6.5 million
Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray/Napoli) – Striker – $10.4 million

10. Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest) – $2.6 million per year

Who are the highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2025? — Photo by Icon Sport

Ola Aina has carved out a successful career in the Premier League, earning a reputation as a versatile and dependable defender. The Nottingham Forest full-back is currently among the highest-paid Nigerian players, reflecting his value in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.

Per Week: $49,926
Per Month: $199,704
Per Year: $2,596,138

9. Calvin Bassey (Fulham) – $2.9 million per year

A dynamic and powerful defender, Calvin Bassey has made a name for himself with his ability to play both as a center-back and left-back. He joined Fulham from Ajax in 2023 and has since become a key player for the London club.

Bassey is one of only two defenders on this list, highlighting the growing market value of Nigerian defenders in European football.

Per Week: $56,166
Per Month: $224,664
Per Year: $2,920,655

8. Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) – $3.2 million per year

Nottingham Forest’s Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi, played a crucial role in the club’s successful fight against relegation last season. His decisive goals helped Forest retain their Premier League status.

Per Week: $62,407
Per Month: $249,628
Per Year: $3,245,173

7. Joe Aribo (Southampton) – $4.5 million per year

Joe Aribo has been a consistent performer for Southampton since his move from Rangers in 2022. Despite the club’s imminent relegation to the Championship, the Nigerian midfielder has remained an integral part of the squad.

His earnings place him among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.

Per Week: $87,370
Per Month: $349,480
Per Year: $4,543,242

6. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – $5 million per year

Leicester City’s midfield enforcer, Wilfred Ndidi, signed a three-year contract extension in 2024, committing his future to the club despite interest from other teams.

Following Leicester’s promotion back to the Premier League, Ndidi chose stability over a move elsewhere, ensuring he remains among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.

Per Week: $96,523
Per Month: $386,092
Per Year: $5,018,196

5. Kelechi Iheanacho (Middlesbrough/Sevilla) – $5 million per year

Kelechi Iheanacho is currently on loan at Middlesbrough from Sevilla, where he continues to earn big wages despite struggling for form in Spain. Sevilla still covers a large portion of his wages, keeping him among Nigeria’s top earners.

Per Week: $96,791
Per Month: $387,164
Per Year: $5,033,133

4. Alex Iwobi (Fulham) – $5.1 million per year

Alex Iwobi made a deadline-day switch from Everton to Fulham in 2023, and his career has been on an upward trajectory ever since. His wages reflect his status as a key player for Fulham, placing him among Nigeria’s highest-paid footballers.

Per Week: $99,107
Per Month: $396,428
Per Year: $5,153,589

3. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan) – $5.4 million per year

Samuel Chukwueze’s move from Villarreal to AC Milan in 2023 significantly boosted his earnings. Despite struggling to find consistent form in Serie A, Chukwueze remains one of Nigeria’s best-paid footballers.

Per Week: $104,000
Per Month: $450,000
Per Year: $5,400,000

2. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen) – $6.5 million per year

Victor Boniface secured a lucrative contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen in 2025, doubling his previous wages. The Nigerian forward’s new deal cements his place among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.

Per Week: $125,000
Per Month: $540,000
Per Year: $6,500,000

1. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray/Napoli) – $10.4 million per year

Victor Osimhen remains the highest-paid Nigerian footballer, even after his loan move from Napoli to Galatasaray in 2024. Previously one of Serie A’s top earners, Osimhen’s wages have taken a hit since his switch to Turkey, but he still commands the highest salary among Nigerian players.