23 Nigerian footballers who earn above $870,000 annually
The world of football offers more than just thrilling matches and unforgettable moments; it also provides staggering financial rewards for many players. Nigerian footballers, in particular, have secured impressive contracts abroad, collectively earning a whopping $77.66 million annually. This article delves into the financial achievements of the top 25 Nigerian footballers playing overseas, presenting their earnings in ascending order. The list reveals both the astonishing heights of success and the striking contrasts among players across different leagues.
1. Peter Olayinka (Red Star Belgrade, $0.87 million)
Peter Olayinka, a forward currently with Red Star Belgrade in Serbia, earns $0.87 million per year. At 28 years old, Olayinka has built a reputation for success in Eastern Europe. His time at Slavia Prague, where he was a key player in their domestic dominance, highlights his impressive career in the region.
2. Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto, $0.87 million)
Zaidu Sanusi, earning $0.87 million annually at Portuguese giants FC Porto, has been a consistent presence at left-back since joining in 2020. At 26 years old, his defensive stability and attacking contributions have made him one of the standout full-backs in Portugal and Europe.
3. Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, $1.00 million)
Terem Moffi, a dynamic striker at OGC Nice in Ligue 1, earns $1.00 million annually. The 25-year-old forward has garnered attention for his goal-scoring prowess, making a name for himself with both Lorient and Nice in France.
4. Isaac Success (Udinese, $1.21 million)
Isaac Success, a 28-year-old forward at Udinese in Serie A, earns $1.21 million per year. The versatile attacker has found stability in Italy after his time with Watford in England. Success’s strength and technical skills make him a valuable asset for Udinese.
5. Umar Sadiq (Real Sociedad, $1.32 million)
Umar Sadiq, a 27-year-old striker at Real Sociedad in the Spanish La Liga, earns $1.32 million annually. Known for his physical presence and crucial goals, Sadiq has made a significant impact in Spain, first with Almeria and now with Real Sociedad, competing in both domestic and European arenas.
6. Cyriel Dessers (Rangers, $1.81 million)
Cyriel Dessers, a forward with Glasgow Rangers, earns $1.81 million per year. At 29, Dessers has showcased his goal-scoring abilities across multiple European leagues, including Italy and the Netherlands, where he was a top scorer in both the Eredivisie and Europa League for Feyenoord.
7. Gift Orban (Lyon, $1.94 million)
Gift Orban, a promising forward at Lyon in Ligue 1, earns $1.94 million annually. The 22-year-old forward made headlines with his remarkable goal-scoring feats at Gent before moving to Lyon. Orban’s contributions have quickly made him a fan favorite at his new club.
8. Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor, $1.94 million)
Paul Onuachu, a towering striker with Trabzonspor in Turkey, also earns $1.94 million per year. The 30-year-old, who excelled during his loan spell at Trabzonspor, joined Southampton in 2023 following a prolific period with Genk in Belgium. His aerial prowess adds a new dimension to Southampton’s attack.
9. Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, $1.94 million)
Nathan Tella, a versatile winger at Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, earns $1.94 million annually. At 25, Tella played a crucial role in Leverkusen’s double-winning campaign, contributing essential assists and goals, showcasing his pace and direct running.
10. Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla, $2.07 million)
Chidera Ejuke, a dynamic winger who recently moved to Sevilla in the Spanish La Liga, earns $2.07 million per year. The 26-year-old, known for his dribbling and creativity, was a key player for CSKA Moscow in the Russian Premier League before his transfer.
11. Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, $2.20 million)
Victor Boniface, currently at Bayer Leverkusen in the German Bundesliga, earns $2.20 million annually. The 23-year-old striker played a significant role in Leverkusen’s league and domestic cup victories last season. His physicality and goal-scoring talent have made him a standout performer.
12. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, $2.46 million)
Ademola Lookman, playing for Atalanta in the Italian Serie A, earns $2.46 million per year. The 26-year-old winger had an impressive debut season in Italy, finishing as Atalanta’s top scorer and playing a key role in their Europa League final triumph.
13. Frank Onyeka (Brentford, $2.69 million)
Frank Onyeka, earning $2.69 million annually at Brentford, has been a key figure in the club’s midfield since his move in 2021. The 27-year-old’s energy and box-to-box play have been crucial for Brentford’s Premier League survival.
14. Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, $2.69 million)
Ola Aina, who recently returned to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest, earns $2.69 million per year. The 27-year-old fullback’s versatility and experience in Serie A with Torino have made him a reliable defender for both club and country.
15. Moses Simon (Nantes, $2.65 million)
Moses Simon, a consistent winger at Nantes in Ligue 1, earns $2.65 million annually. The 29-year-old is known for his pace and dribbling, contributing significantly to Nantes’ Coupe de France victory in 2022.
16. Calvin Bassey (Fulham, $2.98 million)
Calvin Bassey, a 24-year-old defender at Fulham, earns $2.98 million per year. Having joined from Ajax, Bassey’s versatility in playing as both a center-back and left-back makes him a valuable asset for the Premier League club.
17. Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest, $3.37 million)
Taiwo Awoniyi, a key player for Nottingham Forest, earns $3.37 million annually. The 27-year-old striker’s crucial goals were instrumental in the club avoiding relegation last season, highlighting his importance to the team.
18. Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla, $4.40 million)
Kelechi Iheanacho, earning $4.40 million annually at Sevilla, has established himself as a crucial goal-scorer. The 28-year-old forward’s knack for scoring important goals, especially in cup competitions, makes him a key player for his new Spanish club.
19. Joe Aribo (Southampton, $4.66 million)
Joe Aribo, a versatile midfielder at Southampton, earns $4.66 million per year. The 28-year-old has become a mainstay in the Saints’ lineup since his move from Rangers, with his creativity and goal-scoring ability being pivotal to their Premier League campaign.
20. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, $4.84 million)
Samuel Chukwueze, who joined AC Milan from Villarreal in 2023, earns $4.84 million annually. The 25-year-old winger, known for his speed and dribbling skills, was a key player in Villarreal’s UEFA Europa League win in 2021 and aims to further his career with Milan.
21. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, $5.05 million)
Wilfred Ndidi, a central figure in Leicester City’s midfield, earns $5.05 million per year. The 27-year-old has been essential to Leicester’s successes, including their FA Cup victory in 2021 and their Premier League return last season.
22. Alex Iwobi (Fulham, $5.57 million)
Alex Iwobi, recently transferred from Everton to Fulham, earns $5.57 million annually. The 28-year-old midfielder has revitalized his career at Craven Cottage, becoming a key player for the London club with his versatility and creativity.
23. Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, $16.96 million)
Victor Osimhen, currently the highest-earning Nigerian footballer, earns a remarkable $16.96 million annually at Galatasaray. The 25-year-old forward’s stellar performances with Napoli, including their Serie A title win and his accolades as Serie A Best Striker and 2023 African Player of the Year, have cemented his position as Nigeria’s top earner and one of the highest-paid African footballers globally.
This list not only showcases the financial rewards that Nigerian footballers are enjoying but also highlights the disparities in earnings among players across different leagues and teams. While some players command substantial salaries, others are still making significant strides in their careers, reflecting the dynamic and varied nature of professional football.
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