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- TheRadar has compiled a list of the 10 most expensive Super Eagles players with the highest cumulative transfer fees
- Alex Iwobi’s move to Everton and then to Fulham contributes to his €56.1 million cumulative fee
- Nathan Tella rounds out the list with €23.3 million in transfers, which reflects his growing European career
Nigerian footballers have risen to prominence on the global stage, attracting jaw-dropping transfer fees that reflect their immense value in the football market.
Notably, Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen, a standout star, could rewrite history books this summer by becoming one of the most expensive players ever, should he part ways with Napoli. Beyond Osimhen, the trend of Nigerian players making high-profile moves across Europe’s elite leagues continues to prove the influence of the most populous black nation in global football.
In this piece, TheRadar delves into the Super Eagles' most valuable exports, ranking them based on cumulative transfer fees across Europe’s top seven leagues: the English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Italian Serie A, German Bundesliga, French Ligue 1, Dutch Eredivisie, and Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
Cumulative transfer fees: Find out how much has been spent on the 10 most valuable Super Eagles stars
TheRadar has compiled a list of the most valuable Super Eagles players with the highest cumulative transfer fees:
1. Victor Osimhen (Ultimate Strikers Academy to SSC Napoli - €106.9m)
Victor Osimhen first caught the spotlight during the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he emerged as the tournament's top scorer.
His stellar performances earned him a pre-contract agreement with German club VfL Wolfsburg in January 2016, though he officially joined them in 2017. Wolfsburg secured Osimhen for a modest fee, marking his entry into European football.
At Wolfsburg, Osimhen struggled to find his footing, managing just 12 Bundesliga appearances without scoring a single goal. Despite his promise, injuries and limited opportunities hampered his progress. Seeking regular playtime, he moved to Belgian side Charleroi on a season-long loan in 2018.
Charleroi proved to be the perfect environment for Osimhen to rediscover his scoring touch. After debuting in September 2018, he quickly became a key player, ending the season with an impressive tally of 20 goals in 36 appearances. The Belgian club exercised their option to sign him permanently.
French side Lille OSC snapped up Osimhen in 2019 for a reported €12 million, with an additional €3 million in bonuses. The move proved to be a masterstroke for both the player and the club. In his debut Ligue 1 season, Osimhen netted 13 goals in 25 matches, establishing himself as one of Europe’s brightest talents.
In July 2020, Napoli secured Osimhen for a staggering €70 million, which could rise to €80 million with add-ons. This deal not only set a record for the most expensive African transfer but also placed Osimhen among the elite in world football. At Napoli, Osimhen adapted swiftly, despite battling injuries and setbacks.
Osimhen’s meteoric rise inevitably attracted interest from Europe’s top clubs and beyond. During the 2024 summer transfer window, he was heavily linked with moves to Al-Ahli, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
However, negotiations collapsed due to Napoli’s high asking price. A last-minute move to Chelsea also fell through, leaving his future uncertain. In a surprising twist, Osimhen joined Turkish club Galatasaray on loan in September 2024.
From a €12 million move to Lille to a €106.9 million record deal with Napoli, Victor Osimhen’s transfer history reflects his incredible growth as a player.
2. Alex Iwobi (Arsenal to Fulham - €56.1m)
Iwobi began his professional journey at Arsenal, where he joined the academy at a tender age in 2004. His progression through the youth ranks almost hit a stumbling block as the club considered releasing him at 14 and again at 16.
However, his persistence paid off, and he made his first-team debut in October 2015 during a League Cup match against Sheffield Wednesday. A Premier League debut followed shortly after, which was the start of his rise in English football.
The Nigerian midfielder quickly made an impact, scoring two goals in his first two Premier League starts. Over the next four seasons, Iwobi kept his place in Arsenal's squad, making 149 appearances and scoring 15 goals. He was part of Arsenal's FA Cup-winning squad in 2017 and notably scored in the 2019 UEFA Europa League final against Chelsea.
Iwobi's performances in North London earned him a lucrative transfer in August 2019, as he joined Everton for an initial £28 million, with add-ons pushing the fee to £34 million (€32 million). This move made him one of the most expensive Nigerian players at the time.
Iwobi’s switch to Everton marked a new phase in his career. Despite a slow start, Iwobi eventually found his rhythm at Goodison Park. His standout 2022–23 season saw him provide a team-high eight assists, earning him Everton's Players' Player of the Season award. However, financial pressures and squad restructuring prompted Everton to sell him in September 2023 for a reported fee of €25.7 million, ending his four-year stint with the club.
Iwobi's transfer to Fulham was seen as a strategic move by the West London club to bolster their squad. He made his debut in a victory against Luton Town and quickly endeared himself to Fulham fans.
Over his career, Iwobi’s cumulative transfer fees have amounted to €56.1 million, reflecting his value in the transfer market.
3. Calvin Bassey (Ajax to Fulham - €45.5m)
Bassey began his career in the youth ranks of Leicester City, joining the club at 15 after a successful trial. Despite progressing through the under-18 and under-23 sides, he did not make a senior appearance for the Foxes.
In June 2020, Bassey signed a pre-contract agreement with Rangers, officially joining the Scottish giants on a free transfer a month later.
At Rangers, Bassey established himself as a technical defender. He made his professional debut in August 2020 in a 3–0 Scottish Premiership win against St. Mirren. Over two seasons, Bassey made 65 appearances, contributing to Rangers’ domestic success, including winning the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup. He also scored his first professional goal in a 4–0 win against Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup.
In July 2022, Bassey made headlines with a record-breaking transfer to Dutch giants Ajax. The deal, valued at around £20 million, set a new benchmark as Rangers’ highest-ever transfer fee received.
A year later, in July 2023, Bassey returned to the Premier League, signing for Fulham on a four-year deal. The London club paid Ajax a reported €21 million for the Nigerian international, reinforcing their defensive lineup with a proven talent.
Bassey immediately impacted at Fulham, scoring his first goal for the club in February 2024 during a Premier League clash against Manchester United, securing a 2–1 away victory. By the end of the season, Bassey had accumulated 29 league appearances.
4. Ademola Lookman (Charlton Athletic to Atalanta BC - €38.7m)
Lookman’s football journey began in 2014 when he joined Charlton Athletic’s academy from London’s Waterloo FC. Rapidly climbing through Charlton’s ranks, he debuted for the senior team on November 3, 2015, and quickly became a standout talent.
His performances attracted Everton, who secured his services in January 2017 for an initial £7.5 million, potentially rising to £11 million. Lookman made an immediate impact, scoring on his debut against Manchester City in a resounding 4–0 win, marking a promising start to his Premier League career.
Despite showing flashes of brilliance at Everton, Lookman sought consistent first-team action, prompting a series of loan moves. In January 2018, he defied the club’s plans to loan him to Derby County, instead opting for a move to Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. The bold decision paid off as Lookman scored a late winner in his debut against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
RB Leipzig were impressed enough to bring Lookman back permanently in July 2019, signing him for €18 million on a five-year deal. While his stint in Germany had moments of brilliance, including match-winning performances, he was loaned out twice; to Fulham in 2020 and Leicester City in 2021 to rediscover his form.
In August 2022, Lookman made a career-defining move to Serie A club Atalanta for €15 million. This marked a significant chapter in his career, as he found a team that perfectly suited his attacking flair. Lookman wasted no time in making his mark, scoring on his debut in a 2–0 victory over Sampdoria.
Lookman’s performances on the European stage and his crucial role in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign earned him a 2024 Ballon d’Or nomination, the first Atalanta player to achieve the feat. His remarkable rise reflects his worth in the transfer market, with his cumulative fees now reaching €38.7 million.
5. Umar Sadiq (FK Partizan to Real Sociedad - €34.9m)
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, Sadiq began his football journey with local teams before moving to the Future of Africa Football Academy and later the Football College Abuja.
His talent was evident early on, as he shone in the Kvarnerska Rivijera youth tournament in Croatia in 2013, finishing as the top scorer and leading his team to victory. This performance caught the attention of Italian club Spezia, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
Sadiq’s early days in Italy were promising. While he did not make a senior appearance for Spezia, his 26 goals in 24 games in the Campionato Primavera proved his potential. A short loan spell at Lavagnese gave him his first taste of senior football, but it was his move to Roma that truly put him on the map.
In 2015, Sadiq joined Roma on an initial loan alongside Nura Abdullahi for €250,000 each, with buyout options of €1.25 million. He made an immediate impact, scoring twice in his first six Serie A appearances. Roma quickly exercised the option to sign him permanently in 2016. Despite his promise, Sadiq struggled to secure a regular first-team spot, prompting a string of loan moves that would define his early career.
Sadiq's journey took him across Europe, with temporary stints at Bologna, Torino, NAC Breda, and Rangers, among others. At Perugia, he displayed flashes of brilliance, scoring three goals and helping the Serie B side reach the promotion playoffs.
However, his most prolific period came during his time with Serbian side Partizan, initially on loan and later permanently for €2 million.
In October 2020, Sadiq took another significant step, joining Spanish Segunda División side UD Almería for €9 million. He adapted quickly, scoring 20 league goals in his debut season. His performances attracted attention from top-flight clubs, and in September 2022, he made a €20 million move to Real Sociedad. In January 2025, Sadiq embarked on a new challenge, joining Valencia on loan.
6. Terem Moffi (Riteriai to OGC Nice - €34.4m)
Moffi’s football journey began at the Buckswood Football Academy in Hastings, East Sussex, where he moved at the age of 17.
His potential caught the eye of Lithuanian side Kauno Žalgiris, who signed him in 2017 on a free transfer. Despite being a newcomer, Moffi adapted quickly to European football and soon transferred to FK Riteriai, where he truly made his mark.
In his time at Riteriai, Moffi netted an impressive 20 goals in just 29 league matches. However, visa issues delayed his debut and posed early challenges in his career. Despite these obstacles, his prolific scoring record attracted the attention of Belgian club Kortrijk, who signed him in January 2020 for €1.4 million, marking his first significant transfer fee.
Moffi’s time at Kortrijk proved to be a stepping stone. After just a few months in Belgium, Ligue 1 side Lorient came calling in October 2020. The French club secured his services for €8 million, making him one of the most expensive players in their history at the time.
At Lorient, Moffi hit the ground running, quickly establishing himself as a reliable goal scorer. Over the course of three seasons, he became a vital player for the team, helping them maintain their Ligue 1 status. His performances did not go unnoticed, and top clubs began to circle for his signature.
In January 2023, Moffi made the switch to OGC Nice, initially on loan. The move included an obligation-to-buy clause worth €30 million, plus a 15% sell-on clause in favour of Lorient. This deal brought Moffi’s cumulative transfer fees to €34.4 million, making him one of the most valuable Nigerian players in football history.
In the 2023–24 season, he emerged as Nice’s top scorer with 11 goals, proving his worth in one of Europe’s most competitive leagues. His ability to perform under pressure and adapt to different tactical systems has made him indispensable for the French side.
From his free transfer to Kauno Žalgiris to his record-breaking move to Nice, his cumulative transfer fees amount to €34.4 million.
7. Taiwo Awoniyi (Imperial Academy to Nottingham Forest - €30.7m)
Taiwo Awoniyi's rise from a promising teenager in Nigeria to a Premier League sensation epitomises the journey of a footballer who has traversed multiple leagues, clubs, and loan spells to carve a name for himself. With cumulative transfer fees of €30.7 million, his career has been defined by persistence, adaptability, and steady growth.
Awoniyi’s journey began at Imperial Soccer Academy in Nigeria, where he was scouted after being named the Most Valuable Player at a Coca-Cola football competition in London in 2010. His potential caught the eye of top scouts, including Seyi Olofinjana, and in 2015, Awoniyi made his first major move, signing with English giants Liverpool for €1.1 million.
Despite joining Liverpool, Awoniyi never played a competitive match for the club due to work permit challenges. Instead, his career entered a phase of extensive loan spells. His first destination was FSV Frankfurt in Germany, where he made his debut in a German Cup match. After a difficult season, he moved to NEC in the Netherlands in 2016, where he endured relegation for the second consecutive year.
In 2017, Awoniyi’s fortunes took a turn in Belgium. He joined Royal Excel Mouscron on loan, making an immediate impact with goals and consistent performances. A year later, he extended his Liverpool contract and joined Gent on loan. However, his time at Gent was cut short, and he returned to Mouscron for another successful stint, scoring crucial goals to keep the team competitive.
Awoniyi ventured into the Bundesliga in 2019, joining Mainz 05 on loan. Despite a severe concussion that hospitalized him, his resilience shone through. In 2020, he embarked on another loan, this time to Union Berlin, where he began to establish himself as a key player in the German top flight.
Union Berlin saw enough promise to make the move permanent in 2021, paying Liverpool €8.6 million for his services. The deal included a 10% sell-on clause for Liverpool, highlighting the Reds' recognition of Awoniyi's potential. At Union Berlin, he delivered consistently, scoring 15 goals in all competitions during the 2021/22 season, helping the club secure European football.
Awoniyi’s standout performances at Union Berlin attracted interest from Premier League side Nottingham Forest.
In June 2022, Forest broke their transfer record, signing him for €20.5 million. Awoniyi wasted no time making an impact, scoring important goals, including one against his former club Liverpool and a late-season winner against Arsenal that ensured Forest’s Premier League survival.
In total, Taiwo Awoniyi’s career transfers amount to €30.7 million, reflecting his consistent growth and market value.
8. Victor Boniface (FK Bodø/Glimt to Bayer Leverkusen - €27.8m)
Boniface’s footballing career began with Nigerian side Real Sapphire FC, where he first showcased his potential. In January 2018, he took his first steps outside Nigeria, joining Lefke TSK in the KTFF Süper Lig on loan. This brief stint abroad allowed him to gain experience, but he returned to Real Sapphire later that year.
Boniface made a significant move in March 2019, signing for Norwegian club Bodø/Glimt. However, his debut season came with challenges. A ligament injury just two weeks after joining sidelined him for much of the year, derailing his momentum.
The injury also forced him to withdraw from Nigeria’s squad for the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. Despite the setbacks, he made his league debut later in the year, marking the beginning of his rise in European football.
Boniface steadily grew into a key player for Bodø/Glimt, demonstrating his attacking prowess and technical flair. His performances garnered attention, setting the stage for his next career move.
In August 2022, Boniface signed a four-year contract with Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for €6.1 million. This move marked a turning point in his career, as he quickly adapted to Belgian football.
His standout performances in the 2022–23 Europa League were particularly remarkable. Scoring six goals in the competition, including a brace against Union Berlin in the round of 16, he emerged as the joint-top scorer alongside Marcus Rashford. His contributions further propelled Union SG to the quarter-finals.
Boniface’s exploits in Belgium did not go unnoticed, and in July 2023, Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen secured his services for €21.7 million. The Nigerian forward signed a contract until 2028, receiving the coveted number 22 shirt. He made an immediate impact, debuting in a thrilling 3–2 victory over RB Leipzig. A week later, he scored his first set of Bundesliga goals, netting a brace in a 3–0 derby triumph against Borussia Mönchengladbach.
Despite an adductor injury in January 2024, Boniface made a strong comeback in April, scoring key goals in both domestic and European competitions. His contributions were pivotal in Bayer Leverkusen clinching their first Bundesliga title with five games to spare. He ended his debut season as the club’s top scorer in the league, with 14 goals, proving his worth as a marquee signing. Victor Boniface’s career transfers total €27.8 million.
9. George Ilenikhena (Royal Antewerp to AS Monaco - €24.8m)
The world of football continues to see jaw-dropping transfer fees as clubs battle for the brightest talents. Among them, George Ilenikhena, the young Nigerian sensation, has captured headlines with his remarkable rise and impressive transfer history.
At just 18 years old, Ilenikhena’s cumulative transfer fees have already reached a staggering €24.8 million, showing his immense potential.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Ilenikhena moved to France at the age of three, growing up in Antony, Hauts-de-Seine. His journey began at Antony Football Evolution, where he honed his skills before joining Amiens SC in the 2021–22 season. His exceptional performances with the under-17 team, including a stunning 24-goal haul, quickly placed him on the radar of top clubs across Europe.
Ilenikhena made his professional debut for Amiens SC on November 19, 2022, during a historic 10–0 victory in the Coupe de France. By December 2022, he had already contributed his first assist in a friendly game, cementing his status as a rising star. These performances drew the attention of Royal Antwerp, who signed him on June 29, 2023, for €6 million.
His move to Belgium paid dividends almost immediately. On October 11, 2023, the English newspaper The Guardian named him one of the best players born in 2006. Two months later, on December 13, he scored a dramatic last-minute winner against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, sealing Antwerp’s first-ever victory in the competition.
Such heroics caught the attention of AS Monaco, who secured his services on July 25, 2024, for €18.8 million, taking his cumulative transfer fees to €24.8 million. Just months later, Ilenikhena once again tormented Barcelona in the Champions League, scoring a decisive goal on September 19, 2024, as Monaco earned their first victory in the tournament.
Ilenikhena’s story is proof of his talent, as well as a reflection of the growing recognition of Nigerian footballers on the global stage. With €24.8 million already invested in his career, George Ilenikhena is undoubtedly one of the most valuable Super Eagles prospects, and his journey is far from over.
10. Nathan Tella (Southampton to Bayer Leverkusen - €23.3m)
Tella’s career began humbly in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, where he grew up and attended Edwinstree Middle School and Freman College in Buntingford.
A product of Arsenal’s youth academy, he spent a decade honing his skills before being released. Trials at Reading and Norwich City followed, but it was Southampton who secured his signature in April 2017, paving the way for his professional breakthrough.
During his time at Southampton, Tella extended his contract multiple times, solidifying his position as a valuable team member. He made his senior debut in 2020 during a 3–0 victory against Norwich City.
The following years saw him grow steadily, including scoring his first Premier League goal in 2021 against Fulham. In January 2022, he penned a new three-and-a-half-year deal with the Saints, reflecting his rising stature.
A transformative loan spell at Burnley in the 2022-23 season saw Tella flourish. He notched an impressive 17 goals, including two hat-tricks, establishing himself as a clinical forward and helping Burnley secure promotion to the Premier League. His performances caught the eye of Bayer Leverkusen, who signed him in August 2023 for €23.3 million.
Tella debuted for Leverkusen in September, contributing to a 5–1 win against SV Darmstadt 98. His first goal came in October during a Europa League clash against Molde. Nathan Tella's career transfers total €23.3 million.
Super Eagles withdraw from AFCON qualifier after 12-hour airport ordeal in Libya
Previously, TheRadar reported that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had made the difficult decision to withdraw the Super Eagles from their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Libya.
This decision followed a distressing 12-hour ordeal at Al Abraq International Airport, where the Nigerian team were stranded with no assistance from local authorities. The situation quickly escalated into a diplomatic nightmare, leaving players and officials frustrated as they were abandoned in a strange Libya environment.
