12 most expensive Nigerian transfers of 2024

• Nigerian footballers made headlines in 2024 with significant transfers, including George Ilenikhena's €18.8M move to AS Monaco and Philip Otele’s €3.5M deal with Al Wahda
• Rising stars like Ahmed Abdullahi (€3M to Sunderland) and Alhassan Yusuf (€2.3M to New England Revolution) reflect the growing global impact of Nigerian talent
• TheRadar has highlighted the 12 most expensive Nigerian transfers throughout 2024

The year 2024 witnessed a flurry of high-profile transfers involving Nigerian footballers these signings by foreign clubs is a proof that Nigerian talents are very sought after in global football. 

From seasoned national team veterans to promising young stars, these moves showed both established players and rising starlets. Clubs across Europe, the Middle East, and even North America opened their wallets to secure the services of these impressive players, with transfer fees ranging from €500k to a staggering €18.8M.

Among the standout deals was George Ilenikhena’s record-breaking move to AS Monaco, boosting his reputation as a fast-rising star. Established names like Chidozie Awaziem and William Troost-Ekong also made impactful moves to new clubs.

TheRadar has compiled below the most expensive Nigerian transfers throughout the course of the year.

Most expensive Nigerian transfers so far in 2024

1. David Ankeye (€2.5M)

David Akpan Ankeye, one of Nigeria's football youngsters made headlines with his €2.5 million transfer to Serie A club Genoa on January 31, 2024. 

The 21-year-old striker joined from Moldovan outfit Sheriff Tiraspol, where he had impressed with five goals in eight matches after signing from ES Hammam Sousse. Ankeye, who began his career at Sidos FC in Nigeria, is a right-footed forward known for his versatility and physicality in attack. 

Since he arrived at Genoa, he has struggled to find form, registering six appearances without a goal. Despite this slow start, his transfer fee proves Genoa are betting on his potential.

2. Favour Inyeka Ogbu (€0.8M)

Favour Inyeka Ogbu, a promising 20-year-old Nigerian defender, completed a €0.8M move from French side Red Star to Saudi club Al-Wahda on July 1, 2024. The centre-back has already made three appearances this season and looks to secure a regular spot in Al-Wahda’s starting XI. His transfer ranks among the notable Nigerian signings of 2024.

3. Chidozie Awaziem (€0.5M)

Chidozie Awaziem’s move to Major League Soccer side FC Cincinnati for €500k in July 2024 was one of the most expensive Nigerian transfer deals of the year. The Enugu-born central defender joined from HNK Hajduk Split, where he had been a defensive stalwart and played a key role in their Croatian Cup triumph. Awaziem, 27, began his career with Portuguese giants FC Porto in 2014, making his senior debut in 2016.

He gained valuable experience through loan spells at FC Nantes, Çaykur Rizespor, CD Leganés, and Boavista. Known for his composure and aerial ability, Awaziem has also been a consistent presence in Nigeria’s national team until recent times. His move to Cincinnati includes a two-year contract with an option to extend until 2027.

4. George Ilenikhena (€18.8M)

George Ilenikhena, the French-Nigerian prodigy, made waves in 2024 with his €18.8M move from Belgian champions Royal Antwerp to Ligue 1 giants AS Monaco. The 19-year-old forward began his journey at Antony Football Evolution before joining Amiens SC in 2021. He gained prominence after scoring 24 goals for Amiens’ under-17 side and impressing in the Coupe Gambardella. Ilenikhena made his professional debut in 2022 and signed for Antwerp in 2023, where he netted his first Champions League goal against Barcelona. His 2024 move to Monaco was followed by another Champions League goal, also against Barcelona. With 13 appearances and three goal contributions, Ilenikhena is fast becoming a phenomenal star in Ligue 1.

5. Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi (€1.8M)

Charles Chukwubuikem Ikwuemesi was in July 2024 with a notable €1.8 million transfer to Belgian Pro League club OH Leuven from Italian Serie A side Salernitana. 

The Nigerian forward began his football journey with Olive Charles Academy and Giant Brillars in Nigeria before moving abroad. His senior career started on loan at Austrian 2. Liga club Vorwärts Steyr in 2021, where financial difficulties cut his stint short. He later joined Slovenian Second League side Krško, scoring four goals in 11 appearances. 

Ikwuemesi’s breakthrough came at Slovenian PrvaLiga side Celje, where he signed a three-year deal in 2022. After moving to Salernitana in 2023, he now looks to shine in Belgium following his record-setting transfer.

6. Jonathan Okoronkwo (€0.8M)

Jonathan Okoronkwo’s career journey took an exciting turn in 2024 as the 21-year-old Nigerian striker joined Turkish club Hatayspor on a three-year deal for a reported fee of €800,000. Okoronkwo, who began his professional career at Bulgarian side Botev Plovdiv, initially moved to Krasnodar-2 in Russia on loan in February 2022. He impressed quickly, earning a promotion to Krasnodar’s main squad and making his Russian Premier League debut in April of the same year.

After signing a four-year permanent deal with Krasnodar in June 2022, he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Arsenal Tula. Now at Hatayspor, Okoronkwo has made four appearances this season as he seeks to establish himself as a key player in Turkish football.

7. Umeh Emmanuel (€1.3M)

Umeh Emmanuel joined Swiss side FC Zürich for an impressive €1.3 million, making him one of the most expensive Nigerian signings of the year. The 20-year-old forward began his career at Right2Win Football Academy in Nigeria before moving to Russian club Vista Gelendzhik. In 2022, he signed with Bulgarian outfit Botev Plovdiv, where he made his professional debut in October during a 3–1 victory against Pirin.

Emmanuel scored his first professional goal on March 4, 2023, securing a 2–1 win over Cherno More. He also represented Nigeria in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup, providing two assists in five matches as Nigeria reached the quarter-finals.

8. Philip Otele (€3.5M)

Nigerian forward Philip Otele completed a €3.5 million transfer to UAE Pro League side Al Wahda in July 2024, following an exceptional season with CFR Cluj in Romania. Otele, who signed for CFR Cluj in 2023, quickly became a star, finishing the 2023–24 Liga I campaign as joint top scorer with 18 goals alongside FCSB's Florinel Coman. 

His standout performances included four league doubles and a stunning overhead kick in a crucial victory over eventual champions FCSB. Having begun his career in England's lower leagues, Otele made a name for himself in Lithuania before joining Cluj. The move to Al Wahda makes him one of Nigeria’s priciest signings of the year.

9. Ahmed Abdullahi (€3M)

Nigerian forward Ahmed Abdullahi made headlines in August 2024 with his €3M move to Sunderland from Belgian side Gent. The 21-year-old, who had previously trialled with Marseille and Borussia Dortmund in 2021, ultimately signed for Gent, despite attracting interest from top European clubs.

Abdullahi gained recognition for his performances at the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, where he represented Nigeria. Despite a rocky start, including a red card in the opener against Senegal, his commitment shone through, he forfeited a month’s salary to play in the tournament after Gent deemed it non-essential.

Sunderland secured the promising talent on a four-year deal as they aim for promotion from the Championship.

10. William Troost-Ekong (€1.2M)

William Troost-Ekong, the Nigeria national team captain with over 70 international caps signed with Saudi Pro League side Al-Kholood for €1.2 million. The deal marked another milestone in the defender's career, adding to the list of high-profile Nigerian transfer moves.

Before this, Troost-Ekong played for Greek club PAOK, which he joined in 2023 on a free transfer after a loan spell at Serie A’s Salernitana. The versatile centre-back, known for his leadership and composure, has previously played for Fulham, Tottenham, KAA Gent, and FK Haugesund.

Born to a Dutch-Nigerian family, Troost-Ekong has consistently represented Nigeria since his 2015 debut.

11. Alhassan Yusuf (€2.3M)

Alhassan Yusuf made a €2.3M move from Belgium's Royal Antwerp to Major League Soccer's New England Revolution. The transfer, finalised on August 12, secured Yusuf's services through the 2027 season, with an option for 2028. Yusuf first rose to prominence in Sweden after a standout performance at the Gothia Cup, which earned him a professional debut with IFK Göteborg.

Internationally, Yusuf represented Nigeria at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, debuting against Equatorial Guinea in a 1-1 draw before being sidelined by injury in the 69th minute. Yusuf’s transfer ranks among Nigeria’s top deals of 2024.

12. Hamzat Ojediran (€1.5M)

Nigerian midfielder Hamzat-Basit Ojediran completed a €1.5M transfer to Ligue 1 side RC Lens in August 2024, signing a contract until 2028. The 22-year-old, who began his career at the Emmanuel Amunike Academy, made headlines with his impressive journey through European football.

Ojediran initially signed a four-year deal with Albanian side KF Egnatia in August 2022 before moving to Hungarian club Debreceni VSC on loan in February 2023. His stellar performances saw Debrecen trigger his buyout clause in June 2023.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles suffer biggest FIFA ranking drop in years

Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigeria’s Super Eagles faced a major setback in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, November 28 recording the steepest drop of any national team in November. 

The three-time African champions fell from 36th to 44th in the global standings, marking an eight-place plunge and their biggest decline in recent years. This drop comes on the heels of some disappointing performances during the last international break.