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Highest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn

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Highest Paid Nigerian Footballer

Highest-Paid footballer from Nigeria

The phrase “Naija no dey carry last” has been evident in football recently as there has been an influx of Nigerian footballers playing abroad. Football is the most popular sport in Nigeria with millions of fans supporting their clubs abroad. Nigeria has always been a home of incredible football talents and with more amazing young footballers showing in recent years, the weekly wages of Nigerian footballers has been on a rise.

The huge wages being paid to Nigerian footballers isn’t a surprise as the impact of the players is evident in those teams. Aside from the high wages they earn, Naija footballers are being traded for a huge amount of money. In the summer of 2020, Victor Oshimen became the most expensive African footballer of all time as he joined Napoli from Lille for about $80 million-plus add-on. Hardly any top European league without a Nigerian footballer performing at a high level and earning huge wages. A good sign for the Super Eagles as the national squad is now full of top talents.

We have decided to go on an adventure to reveal the highest-paid footballers from Nigeria, who are also featured in the best football predictions bettors will find on Takebet Nigeria. We have searched all leagues where Nigerian players compete, from European leagues such as English Premier League, Spanish La Liga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Bundesliga to other top leagues.

Let’s dig into the list of the highest-paid footballers from Nigeria.

Odion Ighalo – Striker, Al-Hilal – $170,000 (last know)

Odion Ighalo is one of the most popular Nigerian players. The striker became the first Nigerian international to play for Manchester United after he joined the club on loan from the Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020. Odion Ighalo scored five goals in 23 appearances before returning to Shanghai Shenhua at the end of his loan.

The Nigerian international joined Saudi Arabia’s Al Shabab from the Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua in 2021. Ighalo scored 10 league goals in 19 appearances for Shanghai Shenhua. Odion made his debut in 2005 and moved to Europe in 2008 where he joined Udinese. The Nigerian international joined Watford during the 2014-15 and scored 36 league goals in 90 appearances for the club.

Odion Ighalo represented the Super Eagles during the 2018 World Cup. The Nigerian international holds the record for the most goals scored during a single Africa Cup of Nations with seven goals in 2019.

Ighalo earned $170,000 per week in Al Shabab. Odion Ighalo joins Al-Hilal, another Saudi football club, after the AFCON 2021. His salary in the new club is currently unknown, but the striker is sure to keep his #1 spot.

Victor Osimhen – Striker, Napoli – $110,000

Victor Osimhen is currently one of the best strikers in Europe. The Nigerian international has been amazing for Napoli this season after a slow start to life in the Italian Club. Victor Osimhen became the most expensive Africa striker in history after he joined Napoli from Lille for a fee of about $80 million in the winter transfer of 2020.

The Napoli striker has scored 19 goals in 45 appearances for the Italian side. Osimhen had an incredible rise to glory as he wasn’t able to join either Zulte Waregem or Club Brugge in his early days due to Malaria. Victor was in Nigeria’s under-17 team that won the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Nigerian international won the Golden Boot in the tournament with 10 goals. He also won the Silver Ball award during the tournament.

Osimhen missed out on the 2018 World Cup squad. He made his debut for the national team in 2017. The Nigerian international made the squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and has been brilliant since then. He has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for the national team.

Victor currently plays in Napoli and he earns $110,000 per week.

Wilfred Ndidi – Midfielder, Leicester City – $100,000

Wilfred Ndidi is currently one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. The Nigerian international has been incredible since he joined Leicester City from Genk in the winter transfer of 2017 for $20m. Ndidi has scored 10 goals in 196 appearances since he joined the club.

The Nigerian international won the most tackles in the Premier League (138) during the 2017-18 season. He also won the most tackles in the league in the following season of 2018-19. Wilfred Ndidi was an important player of the squad that won the 2020-21 FA Cup as they defeated Chelsea by a goal to nil.

Ndidi represented Nigeria during the 2016 Summer Olympics. He made the squad for the 2018 World Cup as they were knocked out in the group stage. Ndidi also represented the Super Eagles in the 2019 and 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. He has 47 caps for the Nigerian national team.

Wilfred Ndidi currently plays for Leicester City and earns $100,000 per week.

Kelechi Iheanacho – Striker, Leicester City – $80,000

Seniorman Kelz as he is widely regarded came into the limelight after an impressive outing during the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Nigerian international won the Golden Ball award as the Super Eagles won the tournament. Iheanacho scored six goals during the competition as he won the Silver Boot.

Kelechi Iheanacho joined Manchester City in 2015. Iheanacho scored 21 goals in 64 appearances for Manchester City as he won the English Football League Cup. The Nigerian international joined Leicester City for a fee of about $30 million in the summer of 2017. Iheanacho was brilliant during the 2020-21 season as he scored 12 goals in the Premier League, overperforming his expected goals of 8.20.

Iheanacho represented Nigeria during the 2018 World Cup. The Leicester City striker also represented the Super Eagles during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. Iheanacho has scored 12 goals in 42 appearances for the national team.

Kelechi Iheanacho currently plays for Leicester City and earns $80,000.

Alex Iwobi – Midfielder, Everton – $68,000

Alex Iwobi started his club career with Arsenal as he joined the youth team in 2004. The Nigerian international made his senior debut in 2015 for Arsenal against Sheffield Wednesday.

Iwobi scored 15 goals in 149 appearances for Arsenal as he spent four seasons with the senior team. The Nigerian international joined Everton from Arsenal for a fee of about $45 million in the summer of 2019. Iwobi won the FA Cup and two Community Shields with the Gunners. The Nigerian international has scored six goals in 80 appearances for Everton.

Alex made his international debut for Nigeria in 2015 although he started as a youth international for England. The Everton player has scored nine goals in 53 appearances for the Super Eagles. Iwobi scored the winning goal against Zambia to secure a spot for the Super Eagles in the 2018 World Cup. He was featured in the 2018 World Cup as Nigeria was knocked out in the group stage.

Iwobi played for the Super Eagles in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian international was sent off in the Round of 16 of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations as the Super Eagles suffered a 0-1 defeat to Tunisia.

Alex Iwobi currently plays for Everton and earns $68,000.

Victor Moses – Midfielder, Spartak Moscow – $56,000

Victor Moses was a popular player amongst Nigerian fans after he played a huge role in Chelsea’s Premier League triumph during the 2016-17 season. The Nigerian international started his club career in Crystal Palace before joining Wigan in 2010. Chelsea signed Moses in the summer of 2022 from Wigan. Moses went on loan to Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United before returning for the 2016-17 season.

The Nigerian international was converted to a right wing-back under Antonio Conte as Chelsea won the league. Moses was later loaned out to different teams such as Fenerbache, Inter Millan and Spartak Moscow. The latter club signed the player on a permanent basis in July 2021. Victor Moses scored 18 goals in 128 appearances while playing for Chelsea. He won the Premier League, FA Cup and two UEFA Europa League titles with the Blues.

Victor Moses scored 12 goals in 37 appearances for the Nigeria national team. The Spartak Moscow player was an important player in Nigeria’s 2013 Africa Cup of Nations triumph. Moses featured for the Super Eagles in the 2014 World Cup and the 2018 World Cup where he scored a goal in the 1-2 defeat to Argentina.

Victor Moses currently plays for Spartak Moscow and earns $56,000.

Moses Simon – Winger, Nantes – $40,000

Moses Simon was Nigeria’s best player during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian international started his senior club career with AS Trencin in 2014 where he scored 17 goals in 39 appearances before joining Gent in 2015. Moses scored 21 goals in 136 appearances with Gent as he spent four seasons at the club before joining Levante. The Nigerian international won the Belgian Pro League and Belgian Super Cup while in Gent.

Moses joined Levante on loan for the 2019-20 season with an option to buy. The deal was made permanent the following season as he signed a four-year deal. Moses has scored 17 goals in 85 appearances for Nantes.

Simon made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2015 against Uganda. He has scored six goals in 45 appearances for the national team. Simon represented Nigeria during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

Highest paid Nigerian footballer FAQ

Who is the highest-paid footballer in Nigeria?

Odion Ighalo is the highest-paid Nigerian footballer. Ighalo joined Al Shabab from Shanghai Shenhua in January 2020 where he was being paid $402,000. The Nigerian international was the first player to play for Manchester United after he took a pay cut and received $200,000 to join the club on loan.

The Nigerian international was paid $170,000 in Al Shabab, and he is thought to stay in the same salary range in his new Saudi club, Al-Hilal, which he joins after the AFCON 2021.

Who is the richest Nigerian football player overall?

John Obi Mikel is the richest Nigerian footballer with a net worth of about $57 million. The Nigerian international is one of the greatest footballers in the country’s history. Mike Obi made his fortunes while playing for Chelsea in the Premier League. He spent 11 seasons at Chelsea where he scored six goals in 372 appearances for the club. Mikel won two Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Europa League, three FA Cup, one English Football League Cup and one FA Community Shield during his time at Chelsea.

Mikel Obi is currently a free agent after his contract with Kuwait SC was terminated just four months after joining the club.

Who is the most expensive footballer from Nigeria?

Victor Osimhen is the most expensive Nigerian footballer. Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille for a fee of about $80m in 2020 after scoring 18 goals in 38 appearances for the French club. The Nigerian international has scored 19 goals in 45 appearances for Napoli. Osimhen is being paid $110,000 per week in Napoli.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Top 5 Practical Ways to Use AI to Better Understand Betting on 1xBet

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1xbet 1xbalance

AI tools like ChatGPT are becoming part of everyday life. In betting, AI can also be useful, especially for users who want to understand markets, rules, and terminology more clearly before placing a wager.

At 1xBet, player education remains an important part of the overall experience. That approach is also reflected in 1xBalance, a project focused on responsible betting, self-awareness, and practical learning tools for players. Alongside educational content, the project includes a self-assessment test and a calculator, helping users better understand their habits and make more structured decisions. In this context, AI becomes another useful modern tool: not for chasing unrealistic outcomes, but for learning how betting works more clearly and responsibly.

1. Use AI to explain betting terms in simple language

One of the most practical uses of AI is turning betting vocabulary into plain language. Many users see terms like Asian Handicap, Double Chance, Both Teams to Score, or Accumulator without fully understanding what they mean.

Instead of guessing, they can ask AI for a short explanation.

Example prompt:
Explain the betting term “Asian Handicap” in simple words for a beginner.

This is especially useful for newer players on 1xBet who want to understand the logic behind a market before making a decision.

2. Ask AI to compare similar bet types

Some markets look similar, but work differently. That is where mistakes often happen. A user may confuse Draw No Bet with Double Chance, or Over 2.5 with Team Total Over 2.5.

AI can help compare these options side by side.

Example prompt:
What is the difference between Draw No Bet and Double Chance?

This kind of clarification supports smarter, more informed use of the platform and fits naturally with the educational purpose of 1xBalance.

3. Use AI together with the 1xBalance calculator

AI can explain concepts, but practical planning also matters. That is where the 1xBalance calculator becomes especially useful. Once a player understands a market, the calculator can help them think more carefully about stake sizing and structure.

AI can be used to understand the logic of bankroll management, while the calculator helps apply that thinking in a more practical way.

Example prompt:
Explain bankroll management in simple terms and how a calculator can help me plan my bets more carefully.

Used together, these tools support a more disciplined betting approach and reduce the chance of impulsive decisions.

4. Use AI to understand rules and support responsible betting

Promotional terms, market rules, and betting conditions can sometimes feel technical or too long. AI can help summarize key points in simpler language.

Example prompt:
Summarize these betting rules in plain language and tell me the key conditions.

At the same time, 1xBet encourages players to combine tools like AI with official resources such as 1xBalance, where the focus is not only on betting mechanics, but also on awareness, balance, and informed play. AI can simplify information, but the final reference point should always remain the official platform rules.

5. Use AI together with the 1xBalance test to reflect on habits

AI can also support self-reflection. Players can ask it to help organize a betting journal, review decision-making patterns, or think more clearly about their habits over time.

That connects well with the 1xBalance self-assessment test, which gives users a chance to reflect on how they approach betting and whether their habits remain balanced.

Example prompt:
Help me create a simple betting journal to track my stake, market, result, and reason for the bet.

In this way, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator all serve the same broader purpose: helping players stay informed, structured, and more conscious of their decisions.

Final thought

AI can make betting on 1xBet easier to understand, especially for users who want more clarity around terms, rules, and market logic. At the same time, 1xBet continues to invest in player education through 1xBalance, a project built around responsible betting and practical support tools.

The 1xBet platform offers many useful features, including access to detailed statistics, generous bonuses, and other activities. With AI tools, you can quickly learn about all the available functions and better understand how the website and mobile apps work.

Used together, AI, the 1xBalance test, and the calculator help create a more informed experience. The strongest approach is simple: use modern tools to learn, use official 1xBet information to verify, and treat understanding as the foundation of responsible betting.

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2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship Starts May 7

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2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

About 1,500 pupils and students from 300 schools nationwide will participate in the 2026 Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship.

The event will be held from May 7–8, 2026, at the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos, according to a statement from the financial institution, which also assured that all arrangements have been concluded to make the contest memorable.

The Ecobank National Schools’ Team Chess Championship is organised in partnership with the Nigeria Chess Federation (NCF) and SchoolMate.

The 2025 edition, its third, witnessed a significant growth in participation, with over 2,500 students from 450 schools participating.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, Ecobank’s Segment Head for Education, Faith and Social Services, Mr Adekunle Adewuyi, said the bank remains committed to scaling the championship as a pathway for developing Nigeria’s next generation of intellectual and strategic leaders.

According to him, the championship has evolved into a strong national platform for nurturing talent and promoting critical thinking among young Nigerians.

“This championship has become a leading national platform for identifying and nurturing emerging chess talents.

“Chess is a powerful educational tool; it sharpens critical thinking, problem-solving and discipline. Through this initiative, we are preparing young Nigerians not just for competition, but for leadership roles in the future,” Mr Adewuyi said.

He described the tournament as a rapidly growing, award-winning scholastic competition that attracts thousands of students annually and promotes intellectual development while fostering future chess grandmasters.

Also speaking, the Vice President of NCF, Mr Adeyinka Adewole Samuel, said the championship aligns with global standards set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), which encourages countries to organise structured school-level competitions.

According to him, the tournament targets primary and secondary school students aged 7–18, as part of a deliberate strategy to build a sustainable pipeline of future grandmasters.

Mr Adeyinka disclosed that about 150 primary schools and 150 secondary schools are expected to participate this year, with each school fielding five players, bringing the total number of participants to approximately 1,500 students from about 15 states, adding that the competition will feature a N20 million prize pool.

He also revealed that enhanced measures have been introduced to improve event delivery, including strict player eligibility checks, enhanced crowd control, and the deployment of 50 trained arbiters to guarantee fairness and transparency.

Highlighting the impact of the initiative, Mr Adeyinka noted that Nigerian students who emerged from the Ecobank championship have excelled at continental competitions.

“The growth has been phenomenal. When Nigeria competes at continental tournaments, many of the standout players are alumni of the Ecobank championship. We won a gold medal last year in Uganda, and that success is strongly linked to what Ecobank has done,” he said.

On his part, the Marketing Head of SchoolMate Nigeria, Mr Ambesh Kumar, said the company partnered with the initiative to support youth development through education and sport, noting that chess helps children build discipline, focus and strategic thinking.

“We are passionate about quality education for children, and we see this tournament as a veritable means of advancing that cause. Last year, we distributed books to the children, and this year marks our first involvement as a co-sponsor.

“SchoolMate has operated in Nigeria for several years, and we see this chess championship as a meaningful way of giving back to society,” Mr Kumar stated.

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European League Weekend Delivers High-Stakes Clashes Live on SuperSport

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League football across Europe enters a defining stretch, with title races tightening and battles for European places and survival intensifying. From England to Spain, Italy and France, key fixtures could shape the final weeks of the season. Watch it all live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.

Premier League: Title Pressure, Derby Spotlight, Survival Fight

The title race remains finely poised, with Arsenal narrowly ahead of Man City, while the relegation battle continues to tighten.

Saturday’s fixtures see Brentford host West Ham at 3:00 p.m., with the visitors looking to build on a vital win that kept them above the drop zone. At the same time, Newcastle face Brighton, live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205), as both sides chase momentum in a congested mid-table. Arsenal then take on Fulham at 5:30 p.m., with the leaders aiming to maintain their advantage despite midweek exertions.

Sunday is headlined by the North-West Derby at 3:30 p.m. as Man United host Liverpool, with both sides looking to  secure their Champions League spot. Later, Aston Villa meet Tottenham at 7:00 p.m., with Villa chasing a top-four return after their recent slip and Spurs fighting to get out of the relegation zone.

On Monday, Chelsea face Nottingham Forest at 3:00 p.m., seeking to arrest a poor league run of five straight defeats, before Man City visit Everton at 8:00 p.m., where victory is essential in the title chase.

All Premier League matches air live on SS Premier League (DStv Ch. 203, GOtv Ch. 65)

La Liga: Title Within Reach, Top-Four Race Tightens

Barcelona’s lead leaves them on the brink of another league title, but the race for Champions League places remains open below them.

On Saturday, Villarreal host Levante at 1:00 p.m. looking to secure their third position before Atletico Madrid visit Valencia at 3:15 p.m., balancing league priorities with European commitments. Barcelona travel to Osasuna at 8:00 p.m., aiming to extend their winning run.

Sunday features Real Betis against Real Oviedo at 5:30 p.m., with Betis targeting the top four, while Real Madrid face Espanyol at 8:00 p.m. looking to restore confidence. Sevilla and Real Sociedad conclude the round on Monday at 8:00 p.m.

La Liga matches air live on SS La Liga (DStv Ch. 204, GOtv Ch. 62).

Serie A: Champions League Race Intensifies

Inter remain in control at the top, but the battle for European places is tightening.

Saturday sees Como host Napoli at 5:00 p.m. in a key clash for the last Champions League spot, while Atalanta face Genoa at 7:45 p.m. needing a response from their inconsistent form.

On Sunday, AC Milan travel to Sassuolo at 2:00 p.m., Juventus meet Verona at 5:00 p.m., and Inter host Parma at 7:45 p.m. Roma round off the fixtures against Fiorentina on Monday at 7:45 p.m., with top-four implications.

Serie A matches are broadcast live on SS Africa 2 (DStv Ch. 208, GOtv Ch. 64).

Ligue 1: Podium Battle Takes Focus

PSG remain favourites for the title, but the race for Champions League places is wide open.

Marseille face Nantes at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, before PSG host Lorient at 4:00 p.m. Nice take on RC Lens at 8:05 p.m., with Lens needing a strong result to stay in contention.

On Sunday, Lille host Le Havre at 2:00 p.m. before the standout fixture sees Lyon meet Rennes at 7:45 p.m., with both sides in strong form and separated by minimal margins in the race for a top-three finish.

Watch Ligue 1 matches on SS Football (DStv Ch. 205, GOtv Ch. 61), with selected fixtures on SS Africa 1 (DStv Ch. 207, GOtv Ch. 63).

Weekend Highlights

Premier League

  • Brentford vs West Ham – Sat, 3:00 PM

  • Newcastle vs Brighton – Sat, 3:00 PM (SS Football)

  • Arsenal vs Fulham – Sat, 5:30 PM

  • Man United vs Liverpool – Sun, 3:30 PM

  • Aston Villa vs Spurs – Sun, 7:00 PM

  • Chelsea vs Nottingham Forest – Mon, 3:00 PM

  • Everton vs Man City – Mon, 8:00 PM

La Liga

  • Villarreal vs Levante – Sat, 1:00 PM

  • Valencia vs Atletico Madrid – Sat, 3:15 PM

  • Osasuna vs Barcelona – Sat, 8:00 PM

  • Real Betis vs Real Oviedo – Sun, 5:30 PM

  • Espanyol vs Real Madrid – Sun, 8:00 PM

  • Sevilla vs Real Sociedad – Mon, 8:00 PM

Serie A

  • Como vs Napoli – Sat, 5:00 PM

  • Atalanta vs Genoa – Sat, 7:45 PM

  • Sassuolo vs AC Milan – Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Juventus vs Verona – Sun, 5:00 PM

  • Inter vs Parma – Sun, 7:45 PM

  • Roma vs Fiorentina – Mon, 7:45 PM

Ligue 1

  • Nantes vs Marseille – Sat, 2:00 PM

  • PSG vs Lorient – Sat, 4:00 PM

  • Nice vs RC Lens – Sat, 8:05 PM

  • Lille vs Le Havre – Sun, 2:00 PM

  • Lyon vs Rennes – Sun, 7:45 PM

Catch Every Moment

As part of the Canal+ family, SuperSport remains committed to delivering world-class football coverage year-round from Europe’s biggest leagues to global showpieces such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv, with matches also available via DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage or upgrade your subscription via the MyDStv or MyGOtv apps, visit www.dstv.com or www.gotvafrica.com, or dial *288# to stay connected.

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