Sports
Highest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
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.
Sports
AFCON 2025: Eric Chelle Lists Five New Players as Nigeria Aims Fourth Title
By Adedapo Adesanya
The coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Mr Eric Chelle, named five uncapped players in a 28-man squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set to start in Morocco on December 21.
Two former African Footballer of the Year winners, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, will be looking to change the country’s fortune and win the trophy that slipped the grasp of the Super Eagles earlier this year in Cote D’ Ivoire.
While some expected names made the list, a few others were absent, including strikers Victor Boniface and Tolu Arokodare, who were not picked. Centre-back Benjamin Fredericks and fullback Ola Aina, are injured while captain William Troost-Ekong announced his retirement from international football after last month’s World Cup playoffs.
However, uncapped right back Ryan Alebiosu, midfielders Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Tochukwu Nnadi and Usman Muhammed and striker Salim Fago Lawal were included.
The Super Eagles open their Group C campaign on December 23 against Tanzania in Fes, then face Tunisia four days later and Uganda on December 30.
The Super Eagles went all the way to the final of the last AFCON before losing 1-2 to the host, Cote d’Ivoire, in 2024. They now will be aiming to go one step better in the next tournament where they will be going for their fourth crown.
Mr Chelle will be aiming to join Mr Otto Gloria (1980), Mr Clemens Westerhof (1994) and the late Stephen Keshi (2013), in the league of coaches to win the AFCON trophy for Nigeria.
The host nation Morocco will lead Group A alongside Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
The Group B is also packed with heavyweights consisting of Egypt, South Africa, Angola and Zimbabwe who will have a lot to prove in the group.
In Group D, 2021 champions Senegal will battle it out with DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana, while Group E sees Algeria drawn against Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
Squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)
Defenders: Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiakos), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Zaidu Sanusi (FC Porto)
Midfielders: Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias), Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
Forwards: Akor Adams (Sevilla, Spain), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC).
Sports
GameZone Online Arcade Signals a New Direction for Digital Play
The GameZone Online Arcade now shapes a clear path for modern digital entertainment because many Filipino players see it as a reliable space for relaxed sessions. The section continues to attract users who want simple play that fits their daily routines without forcing them into high-pressure environments. This shift reveals something important about the evolving culture around GameZone. It shows that players want stability more than spectacle and structure more than noise. The Online Arcade answers this need with a design that respects time, mood, and attention. It also reflects the broader movement toward digital spaces that understand the rhythm of local gaming habits.
The Growing Importance of Calm Play in a Fast Digital World
Online gaming once grew through heavy visuals and fast competition, yet the rising influence of the GameZone Online Arcade shows a noticeable change in user priorities. Players today want comfort after long hours of work and constant digital noise. The Online Arcade provides that comfort through games built with clean mechanics and simple structures. This shift deserves attention because it shows how modern players choose their entertainment.
Many players now favor short sessions that give them room to breathe. The Online Arcade supports this pattern through titles that welcome users at any time of the day. The section does not compete for long hours. It respects short breaks. This approach creates a meaningful bond between players and the platform because it supports real life instead of escaping from it.
The clean interface strengthens this trend. The layout removes confusion and gives players immediate clarity. The predictable format lets new users understand each game without anxiety. Returning users feel grounded because the experience never drifts from the calm structure they trust. This steady design gives the Online Arcade a cultural presence inside the GameZone community.
The appeal of calm digital play cannot be ignored. It reflects the pressure of modern life and the need for balanced entertainment that does not add stress. The Online Arcade has become that space, and its popularity shows how players redefine their expectations with each passing month.

Why the Online Arcade Matters in the GameZone Identity
The Online Arcade now stays at the center of GameZone culture because it represents the values many players care about. It provides accessible entertainment without forcing users through complicated choices. It offers short gameplay that aligns with modern schedules. It stands as a reminder that online gaming does not have to be intense to be meaningful.
In many online groups, GameZone players often share their favorite Online Arcade titles because they are easy to describe and easier to recommend. The simplicity of the games creates shared language within these communities. People do not need special knowledge to discuss the experience. This connection builds unity in the fragmented world of digital entertainment.
The structure of the section reinforces the GameZone identity. The stable performance across devices allows players to shift between screens without losing rhythm. This reliability strengthens trust in the platform because many Filipino users rely on their phones for daily play. They need an experience that remains steady even as they move through different environments.
The Online Arcade also helps players navigate new titles without pressure. The gradual learning curve supports the idea that digital play should remain friendly, especially for people who do not have time for deep gaming sessions. This atmosphere helps GameZone welcome new users every day because the entry point remains simple and welcoming.
The growth of the Online Arcade shows that simplicity is not a weakness. It is a feature that resonates with the needs of the modern player. This section stays relevant because it understands that entertainment must adapt to real life, not escape from it.
The Balance Between Engagement and Ease in Daily GameZone Use
Many players form daily routines inside the Online Arcade because the section creates a stable pathway through the platform. The games require only a few minutes, yet those minutes create a sense of connection. This rhythm supports the changing needs of players who seek breaks instead of marathons. It also allows the Online Arcade to remain part of everyday life.
The visual consistency strengthens this daily habit because players do not need to adjust to new designs every time they enter a game. The layout remains clear, which encourages people to experiment with different titles without feeling lost. This consistency shows that GameZone understands how users interact with digital spaces.
Some players shift between Online Arcade titles and the casino content of GameZone. They do this because the platform gives them choices that match their energy for the day. When they want a focused session, they visit the casino features. When they want a calm moment, they return to the Online Arcade. This flexibility has become an important trait of GameZone’s identity.
The stable performance across devices also supports daily use. Many players move through varied environments, from commutes to workspaces to homes. They expect their games to function without issues. GameZone meets this expectation with a design that keeps the Online Arcade responsive at all times.
The daily presence of the Online Arcade in the lives of many Filipino players shows that digital habits are shaped by comfort and consistency. People want reliable entertainment that welcomes them without demand. The section delivers that, and its growth reflects this truth.
Why Online Arcade Engagement Continues to Rise
The steady rise of Online Arcade engagement reveals an important shift in the way digital communities evolve. Many platforms chase complexity, but GameZone shows that clarity and accessibility hold lasting value. The Online Arcade remains relevant because it continues to offer simple play that respects the user’s time.
Returning users rely on the familiar mechanics that do not overwhelm. They can repeat the same patterns without facing steep difficulty. This predictability builds confidence, which is crucial for long-term engagement. New users also find comfort in the same features because they can join without needing to learn unfamiliar controls.
The Online Arcade stands apart from other sections because it does not demand perfect focus. It encourages relaxed play that invites players of all ages. This openness keeps the section ahead of many digital competitors that place heavy emphasis on intense mechanics. The Online Arcade proves that inviting design matters just as much as performance.
Sports
Real Madrid vs Man City, Inter vs Liverpool Headline UCL Line-Up Live on SuperSport
The UEFA Champions League reaches a decisive point as Matchday 6 delivers high-stakes fixtures across Europe. All matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv. Real Madrid host Manchester City in the round’s biggest clash, while Inter Milan face Liverpool in a meeting of two sides desperate for a statement win.
Tuesday: Inter Host Liverpool in a Heavyweight Clash
The evening begins in Munich where Bayern, now third in the standings, welcome Sporting Lisbon at 6:45 p.m. The match will be live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Bayern’s 3–1 loss to Arsenal halted their momentum, while Sporting arrive eighth with three wins and a strong claim on the last automatic qualification spot.
At 9:00 p.m., Inter Milan host Liverpool, broadcast live on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Inter sit fourth after losing their perfect record to Atlético Madrid. Liverpool, 13th and coming off a damaging 4–1 defeat to PSV, desperately need stability. Inter remain favourites to strengthen their top-four position.
Chelsea travel to Bergamo to face Atalanta at 9:00 p.m. The match will air on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Chelsea’s 3–0 win over Barcelona offered relief, but their domestic struggles persist. Atalanta, 10th, have won two straight in Europe, making this a pivotal contest for qualification.
Barcelona return home at 9:00 p.m. to face Eintracht Frankfurt. Viewers can watch live on SS Football (GOtv Ch. 61, DStv Ch. 205). Barca sit 18th in the UCL despite topping La Liga, and must respond after losing 3–0 to Chelsea. Frankfurt, 28th and out of form, present a crucial opportunity to regain control of their playoff path.
Wednesday: Real Madrid vs Man City Takes Centre Stage
All eyes turn to Madrid as Real Madrid host Manchester City at 9:00 p.m. The match will be broadcast on SS Football Plus HD (DStv Ch. 202). Real, fifth, edged Olympiakos 4–3 but remain inconsistent domestically. City, ninth, seek redemption after their first UCL loss, a 2–0 defeat to Leverkusen at home, and need a result to stay in the top-eight mix.
Also at 9:00 p.m., Arsenal visit Club Brugge. The game will air on SS Premier League (GOtv Ch. 65, DStv Ch. 203). Arsenal lead the UCL with 15 points and recently outclassed Bayern. Brugge, 26th, were beaten 3–0 by Sporting and are fighting to hang on to a playoff place.
PSG travel to face Athletic Club at 9:00 p.m. The match will be shown live on SS La Liga (GOtv Ch. 62, DStv Ch. 204). PSG sit second with four wins from five, while Athletic, 27th and winless in Europe, need an upset to stay alive in the competition.
Leverkusen host Newcastle at 9:00 p.m. The game will be live on SS Africa 2 (GOtv Ch. 64, DStv Ch. 208). Leverkusen have surged with back-to-back UCL wins, including a 2–0 victory at Manchester City. Newcastle, now 11th, have lost two straight and must respond to remain within the top-12 seeding bracket.
Matchday 6 Highlights
Tuesday, Dec 9
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Bayern Munich vs Sporting Lisbon — 6:45 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
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Inter Milan vs Liverpool — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
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Atalanta vs Chelsea — 9:00 p.m. (SS Premier League – GOtv 65, DStv 203)
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Barcelona vs Eintracht Frankfurt — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football – GOtv 61, DStv 205)
Wednesday, Dec 10
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Real Madrid vs Manchester City — 9:00 p.m. (SS Football Plus HD – DStv 202)
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Club Brugge vs Arsenal — 9:00 p.m. (SS Premier League – GOtv 65, DStv 203)
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Athletic Club vs PSG — 9:00 p.m. (SS La Liga – GOtv 62, DStv 204)
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Bayer Leverkusen vs Newcastle — 9:00 p.m. (SS Africa 2 – GOtv 64, DStv 208)
Catch Every Moment
Watch every game live on Supersport and Stream all Champions League action live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Manage your subscription on the MyDStv or MyGOtv app, or visit www.dstv.com and www.gotvafrica.com.
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