10 highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2024

• Nigerian footballers are among the highest-paid on the continent
• Nigerian forward Moses Simon earns around £45,000 weekly at Nantes, while Fulham star Alex Iwobi reportedly takes home £2.6 million annually
• TheRadar has compiled a list of the ten highest-paid active Nigerian internationals for the year 2024

Nigeria’s footballers continue to dominate the global stage, showcasing immense talent and earning astronomical salaries in top leagues, making them invaluable assets to their clubs. From lethal strikers to solid defenders and dynamic wingers, these players not only excel on the pitch but also make significant earnings for their skills. 

Here’s a rundown of the top 10 highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2024. Let’s explore the salaries and achievements of Nigeria’s top football talents around the world.

Highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2024

TheRadar has compiled below a list of the highest-earning Super Eagles stars:

1. Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen has steadily emerged as one of the finest footballing exports from Africa. Born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, he honed his craft in Nigeria’s youth leagues before beginning his European journey at Wolfsburg. 

After a brief stint in Germany, Osimhen's move to Lille in 2019 was where his career truly took off. His pace, strength, and finishing ability made him a standout performer, leading to a record-breaking transfer to Napoli in 2020.

At Napoli, Osimhen has established himself as one of the best strikers in Serie A, combining powerful aerial ability with exceptional goal-scoring instincts. His role with the Nigerian national team is equally impressive, having helped secure a bronze medal at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. His growing influence in the Turkish league is also something worthy of note, the Galatasaray forward has scored 2 goals and made 2 assists in only 3 matches this 2023/2024 season.

Currently, Osimhen is the highest-paid Nigerian footballer, earning around £110,000 per week, which translates to around £5 million annually.

2. Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho’s career has been one of progression, skill, and clutch performances. Born on October 3, 1996, in Imo State, Nigeria, he first gained international attention during the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he led Nigeria to victory and earned the tournament's Golden Ball. His time at Manchester City showcased his knack for scoring important goals but more often from the bench.

In 2017, Iheanacho transferred to Leicester City, where he has developed into a versatile forward, contributing with both goals and assists. In 2024, he was signed by Sevilla as a free agent but is yet to live up to his potential. 

He remains a pivotal figure for the Nigerian national team as well. Iheanacho earns approximately £92,000 per week, bringing his annual salary to around £4.8 million.

3. Wilfred Ndidi

Wilfred Ndidi’s ability to break up play and shield his defence has earned him recognition as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. 

Born on December 16, 1996, in Lagos, Ndidi rose through the ranks at Genk before sealing a move to Leicester City in January 2017. His no-nonsense approach to midfield play has made him indispensable for both club and country.

For Nigeria, Ndidi is a lynchpin in the midfield and has helped the Super Eagles in various international competitions. 

His annual salary at Leicester amounts to £3.9 million, with weekly earnings of £75,000.

4. Samuel Chukwueze

Samuel Chukwueze, born on May 22, 1999, in Umuahia, Nigeria, is very popular for his electric pace and flair. 

Starting his European career at Villarreal, his performances earned him a move to AC Milan in 2023. Known for his ability to beat defenders and cut inside to score, his playing style has drawn comparisons to legends like Arjen Robben.

For the Nigerian national team, Chukwueze has been instrumental although not consistently, serving as the creative spark on the wings whenever he plays.

At AC Milan, his weekly wage stands at £55,000, with annual earnings of £2.9 million.

5. Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi, born on May 3, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, began his professional career at Arsenal, where he developed into a technically proficient winger. 

After a successful tenure at the London club, Iwobi moved to Everton in 2019, showcasing versatility across multiple attacking roles.

In 2023, Iwobi transferred to Fulham, where he continues to be an influential player. 

For Nigeria, Iwobi has consistently been a key figure in the national team's success. He earns £50,000 per week, amounting to £2.6 million annually.

6. Moses Simon

Moses Simon, born on July 12, 1995, in Jos, Nigeria, is a winger famed for his "lightning pace" and the ability to glide past defenders effortlessly. He began his European journey at Belgian side Gent before moving to Spain with Levante. 

Simon now plies his trade at Ligue 1 club Nantes, where he is a regular player. His ability to provide both goals and assists consistently has made him very important to the club. Simon is also a regular feature for the Nigerian national team, often playing on the wings to exploit his speed.

His weekly wage at Nantes stands at £45,000, accumulating to around £2.3 million annually.

7. Victor Boniface

Victor Boniface, a 23-year-old Nigerian forward, is currently making waves in the Bundesliga, playing for Bayer Leverkusen. He also represents Nigeria on the international stage with the Super Eagles. Known for his powerful dribbling, impressive work ethic, and ability to both score and create goals, Boniface has built a reputation as a dynamic attacking player and has been hailed severally by Legend Xabi Alonso.

Boniface’s early career saw him shine in Norway with Bodø/Glimt, where he won consecutive Eliteserien titles in 2020 and 2021. This success earned him a move to Belgian side Union St. Gilloise, where his standout performances caught the eye of Bayer Leverkusen. 

The German side signed him in a record-breaking deal, and since then, Boniface has been instrumental in the club's success, contributing heavily to their first Bundesliga title in over 120 years during an outstanding debut season under coach Xabi Alonso.

At Bayer Leverkusen, Boniface earns a weekly salary of about £32,000 which amounts to around £2 million annually.

8. Ola Aina

Ola Aina, born on October 8, 1996, in London, is a dynamic full-back capable of playing effectively on both flanks. His football journey began at Chelsea, progressing through the club’s youth ranks. However, much of his early professional experience came through loan spells, including a notable period at Torino in Italy’s Serie A, where he impressed with his adaptability and defensive skills.

In 2023, Aina made a permanent switch to Nottingham Forest and has since excelled in the wing-back position. Though he represented both England and Nigeria at youth levels, Aina ultimately committed to the Nigerian national team, becoming a key figure in the squad.

At Nottingham Forest, Aina earns a weekly salary of approximately £30,000, which amounts to about £1.6 million annually.

9. William Troost-Ekong

William Troost-Ekong, born on September 1, 1993, in the Netherlands, is a commanding central defender currently playing for Greek side PAOK. Of mixed Nigerian and Dutch heritage, Troost-Ekong's professional journey began in the Netherlands, after which he gained experience across various European leagues, including stints in Norway, Belgium, and Italy, before making his move to Greece. 

Renowned for his strong defensive skills and natural leadership, he frequently captains his teams both at club and international levels.

A stalwart for Nigeria's national team, Troost-Ekong has consistently represented his country in prestigious tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup. With a weekly wage of £25,000 at PAOK, his annual earnings amount to roughly £1.3 million.

10. Frank Onyeka

Frank Onyeka, born on January 1, 1998, in Nigeria, is a defensive midfielder who currently plays for Brentford in the Premier League. 

He started his professional career at FC Midtjylland in Denmark, where his high energy levels and impressive ball-recovery skills quickly made him stand out. His consistent performances there earned him a transfer to Brentford in 2021.

Since joining the club, Onyeka has become a key figure in Brentford’s midfield, recognised for his tireless work rate and defensive presence. Internationally, he is a regular for the Nigerian national team, where he continues to make a significant impact. 

Onyeka earns around £22,000 weekly at Brentford, translating to an annual salary of about £1.1 million.

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His exit comes on the heels of Libya's 1-0 defeat to Nigeria on Tuesday, October 11 in a tense match during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Al-Shalmani’s resignation, which many saw as inevitable, shows deeper issues within the Libyan football leadership hierarchy.