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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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Play-to-Own Economies in Mainstream Games

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Digital Gaming Economies

Have you ever stopped to think about the value of your digital inventory? For decades, gamers have poured thousands of hours—and often thousands of dollars—into unlocking rare character skins, powerful weapons, and unique mounts. In the traditional gaming world, these items are essentially “rented.” You pay for the privilege of using them, but you don’t actually own them. If the game server shuts down tomorrow, your prized possessions vanish into the digital ether.

However, a massive shift is occurring in the industry. The rise of “Play-to-Own” (PtO) economies is beginning to rewrite the rules of digital property. In this new model, players are no longer just consumers; they are owners who can trade, sell, and profit from the time and effort they invest in their favourite virtual worlds.

From “Pay-to-Play” to “Play-to-Own”

To understand why this is such a big deal, we have to look at the evolution of how we spend money in games. For a long time, the relationship was simple: you bought a disc, and you played the game. Then came microtransactions and “loot boxes,” where players spent money for a chance to get a cosmetic item.

Play-to-own takes this a step further by utilizing blockchain technology and decentralized markets. When you earn an item in a PtO game, it is minted as a unique digital asset that belongs to you, not the developer. This creates a “player-driven” market where the community decides the value of items based on scarcity and demand.

Economic Model Traditional Mainstream Gaming Play-to-Own (PtO) Ecosystems
Ownership Developer-controlled; items are “licensed.” Player-controlled; items are true digital assets.
Tradeability Locked to the account; rarely sellable. Openly tradeable on external marketplaces.
Value Retention Sunk cost; money spent is gone forever. Potential for appreciation and resale value.
Governance Top-down decisions by the studio. Often includes community voting on updates.

The Thrill of the Digital Market

The excitement of a play-to-own economy isn’t just about the gameplay itself; it’s about the adrenaline of the market. Watching the price of a rare “mythic” sword rise on a secondary marketplace can be just as engaging as the quest used to obtain it. This blend of entertainment and financial strategy is drawing in a demographic that enjoys calculated risks and high-energy environments.

This crossover is becoming increasingly visible as gamers look for more variety in their digital entertainment. For instance, many people who enjoy the strategic management of a gaming portfolio also find themselves drawn to the fast-paced, high-stakes atmosphere of a Spin City casino. Just as a player in a play-to-own game must decide the perfect moment to “cash out” their rare assets, a visitor at an online casino balances probability and intuition to make their next move. Both environments reward those who can stay cool under pressure and understand the ebb and flow of a marketplace. This synergy suggests that the future of digital fun isn’t just about the game mechanics, but the thrill of having “skin in the game” and the chance to walk away with more than just a high score.

The Mechanics of a Healthy Economy

For a play-to-own game to survive in the mainstream, it can’t just be about the money; the game actually has to be fun to play. We’ve seen early “play-to-earn” models fail because they felt more like a job than a hobby. The new “play-to-own” philosophy focuses on “fun-first” development.

Here are the four pillars that define a successful mainstream play-to-own economy:

  • Sustainable scarcity: If everyone has a “legendary” item, no one does. Developers must balance item drops to ensure value remains high for dedicated players.
  • Interoperability: The “holy grail” of PtO is the ability to take an item from one game and use it in another, creating a cross-platform digital wardrobe.
  • Active sinks: To prevent inflation, games need ways to “consume” assets, such as combining two rare items to create a more powerful third one.
  • Low barrier to entry: Mainstream players won’t jump through hoops. The best systems make the “ownership” part invisible until the player is ready to trade.

Overcoming the “Gamer Skepticism”

Despite the benefits, the transition to play-to-own hasn’t been without its hurdles. Many mainstream gamers are wary of “monetization” in their favourite series. They fear that adding a financial layer to gaming will ruin the immersion or create a “pay-to-win” environment where the wealthiest players always come out on top.

To win over this crowd, developers are focusing on “cosmetic-only” ownership. This means you can’t buy your way to power, but you can own the rarest, coolest-looking armour in the game. It allows for prestige and profit without breaking the competitive balance of the match. It’s about honouring the player’s time—acknowledging that if you spend 500 hours mastering a game, you should have something tangible to show for it.

A New Era of Value

The shift toward play-to-own economies represents the “coming of age” of the digital world. We are moving away from a time when digital items were considered “fake” or “worthless” and toward a future where our online time has a measurable value.

Whether you are a casual player looking to recoup some of the money you spent on a battle pass, or a hardcore trader hunting for the next big digital collectible, the message is the same: the wall between “virtual” and “real” value is crumbling. As mainstream studios continue to experiment with these programmes, the next big “stadium sport” might not just be about who plays the best, but who owns the most significant piece of the digital world. The pixels are finally becoming yours to keep.

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Peryagame on GameZone Brings Filipino Fair Games

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Perya Game

Peryagame represents a familiar part of Filipino leisure culture, now reshaped through the organized digital framework of GameZone. For many Filipinos, fair games are closely tied to community gatherings, shared moments, and the simple excitement of anticipation. These games were never about speed or complexity. Instead, they thrived on rhythm, repetition, and the collective experience of watching outcomes unfold. Through Peryagame, these traditions find continuity in a modern online environment that respects their original pacing and structure.

GameZone provides a platform where Filipino fair games are presented with clarity and balance. The digital experience mirrors the steady interaction found in traditional perya settings, allowing players to engage without pressure. Rather than overwhelming users with rapid mechanics, Peryagame emphasizes consistency and recognizable gameplay flow. This approach allows long-standing cultural entertainment to exist comfortably within a structured online space.

The Enduring Appeal of Filipino Fair Games

Filipino fair games have remained popular because of their accessibility and simplicity. They do not rely on complex systems or aggressive pacing. Instead, they invite players to observe, wait, and participate at a natural tempo. This form of entertainment values patience and shared experience, qualities that continue to resonate across generations.

Peryagame draws directly from this foundation. Its design avoids unnecessary complication, focusing instead on recognizable mechanics presented through clean digital layouts. Players quickly understand how games unfold because the structure mirrors what they already know. This familiarity reduces barriers to engagement and reinforces comfort during repeated sessions.

GameZone recognizes that cultural relevance depends on preserving these elements. By maintaining steady pacing and clear rule presentation, the platform ensures that digital fair games feel authentic rather than foreign. Peryagame becomes a space where traditional enjoyment meets modern accessibility.

Translating Tradition Into Digital Structure

The transition from physical fair games to online platforms requires careful balance. Too much change risks losing cultural identity, while too little adaptation may limit usability. Peryagame strikes this balance by maintaining traditional flow within a controlled digital environment.

Each game session follows consistent patterns, allowing players to predict how rounds progress. Visual elements remain uniform, avoiding distractions that could disrupt concentration. This predictability mirrors the way fair games operate in real life, where familiarity guides participation.

GameZone reinforces this structure through stable systems that perform reliably over time. Players encounter the same mechanics each session, building confidence through repetition. This continuity ensures that returning users do not need to relearn how games function, making long-term engagement more natural.

Organized Gameplay as a Foundation of Trust

Trust is essential in digital gaming environments, especially when adapting traditional games for online play. Peryagame establishes trust by eliminating unnecessary unpredictability. Outcomes follow clearly defined mechanics, and gameplay unfolds at a consistent pace.

GameZone’s infrastructure supports this reliability by ensuring smooth performance across sessions. Games load predictably, interactions respond consistently, and technical interruptions are minimized. This stability allows players to focus on the experience itself rather than system behavior.

By maintaining organized gameplay, Peryagame reinforces fairness. Players understand what to expect, reducing confusion and frustration. This clarity encourages thoughtful participation rather than impulsive interaction, aligning closely with the values of traditional fair games.

Visual Simplicity and Player Focus

Visual design plays a significant role in shaping the Peryagame experience. Rather than relying on flashy elements, the platform prioritizes clean layouts and readable interfaces. This simplicity allows players to concentrate on gameplay without distraction.

GameZone applies consistent visual standards across its offerings, creating a cohesive environment. Peryagame benefits from this approach by integrating seamlessly into the broader platform. Players navigating between different sections encounter familiar design cues, reinforcing ease of use.

This visual restraint supports extended play sessions. Without overwhelming stimuli, players can remain engaged longer while maintaining comfort. The design choice reflects an understanding of how Filipino fair games traditionally emphasize observation and patience.

Responsible Engagement Through Structured Design

Responsible play is embedded within Peryagame’s structure. GameZone avoids mechanics that push users toward rushed decisions or prolonged intensity. Instead, games progress at a measured pace that allows players to remain aware of their participation.

Visible indicators help users track session flow and understand their current position within a game. These cues provide information without interrupting immersion. Players maintain control over their time while engaging comfortably.

This thoughtful design promotes sustainability. By encouraging balanced interaction, Peryagame supports extended enjoyment rather than short, pressured sessions. The platform demonstrates how responsible structure can enhance user trust and long-term engagement.

Cultural Continuity in a Digital Space

Peryagame illustrates how Filipino fair games can maintain cultural relevance through careful adaptation. By preserving pacing, simplicity, and familiarity, GameZone allows these traditions to thrive within a digital context.

The experience reflects shared values rooted in community and observation. Players engage with games that feel recognizable, reinforcing cultural connection even within an online environment. This continuity strengthens the emotional link between tradition and technology.

Rather than redefining fair games, Peryagame preserves their essence. The digital format serves as an extension rather than a replacement, allowing cultural entertainment to evolve naturally.

The Role of Stability in Long-Term Engagement

Stability underpins every aspect of Peryagame’s design. From gameplay mechanics to visual presentation, consistency guides the user experience. This stability reduces learning curves and encourages repeated participation.

GameZone’s systems are designed to perform reliably over extended periods. Players encounter predictable behavior regardless of session timing, reinforcing trust. This reliability supports long-term engagement built on comfort rather than novelty.

As digital entertainment continues to expand, platforms that prioritize stability stand out. Peryagame exemplifies how structured environments can foster sustained interest without compromising cultural authenticity.

Peryagame on GameZone

Peryagame as a Modern Expression of Tradition

Peryagame’s success lies in its respect for tradition combined with thoughtful modernization. GameZone provides the infrastructure needed to present Filipino fair games in a way that feels both familiar and functional.

By maintaining organized gameplay, clean design, and responsible pacing, the platform ensures that these games remain enjoyable and accessible. Players experience continuity across sessions, reinforcing confidence and comfort.

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Peryagame demonstrates that cultural entertainment does not need to be reinvented to remain relevant. With structure, balance, and respect for tradition, Filipino fair games continue to thrive within the digital world of GameZone.

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Super Bowl LX: How to Watch Bad Bunny’s Historic Halftime Show from Nigeria

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Super Bowl LX

The Super Bowl is far more than a football game. Each year, it becomes a global cultural moment, where sport, music, and social conversation collide. Super Bowl LX promises to be no exception. While fans anticipate the on-field clash between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, much of the world’s attention has shifted to the halftime stage airing on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219), where three-time Grammy winner Bad Bunny will make history.

The Puerto Rican superstar, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is set to become the first non-English-speaking artist to headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His selection has sparked debate in the United States, particularly amid ongoing anti-ICE protests, but it also signals a broader recognition of his cultural impact. Known for pushing artistic boundaries and amplifying underrepresented voices, Bad Bunny brings a rare combination of commercial appeal and social consciousness to the NFL’s biggest stage.

The timing of his performance carries added weight. Just a week before the Super Bowl, Bad Bunny made history at the 2026 Grammy Awards, winning Album of the Year for Debí Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos). He used his acceptance speech to address immigration and human dignity, declaring: “Before I say thanks to God, I’m going to say, ICE out,” and calling on audiences to respond to hate with love. That statement has heightened expectations that his halftime show will blend spectacle with message, marking a performance that is about identity as much as entertainment.

As anticipation builds, questions linger over how Bad Bunny will translate this cultural moment on the field. Will the show lean entirely into his chart-topping hits, or will it echo the themes of unity and resistance he spoke of at the Grammys? Either way, the performance is already being framed as a defining cultural moment of 2026, with viewers worldwide eager to witness history in the making.

For audiences in Nigeria, Super Bowl LX and Bad Bunny’s historic halftime performance will air live on both ESPN and ESPN2 (DStv Channel 219) on Monday, February 9, 2026, at 12:30 am WAT. Be sure to also take advantage of the ongoing We Got You offer, where you pay for your current package and DStv upgrades you to the next higher package at no extra cost. This offer runs till February 28, 2026.

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