Victor Osimhen made headlines in 2020 when he became Africa’s most expensive footballer, joining Napoli in a record-breaking €80 million deal from Lille, Soccernet.ng reports.
Fast forward to 2025, and while that title still commands attention, Osimhen has also climbed to the summit of Nigeria’s football wage ladder.
But is he the highest-paid Nigerian player in 2025?
Thanks to updated contract terms, club moves, and the emergence of Saudi Arabia’s moneyed football revolution, the rankings have shifted dramatically in recent years.
Soccernet.ng presents a sourced ranking of the highest-earning Nigerian footballers in 2025, complete with salary data verified from Capology, and reputable media outlets
10. Ola Aina – $2.6 million/year (~£50k/week)
Club: Nottingham Forest
Aina may not be the flashiest Nigerian player, but his consistency for Nottingham Forest earns him a solid spot among the top 10. His versatility has made him a dependable option in the Premier League.
9. Calvin Bassey – $2.92 million/year (~£56k/week)
Club: Fulham
Bassey has grown in stature since his days at Rangers and Ajax. Now at Fulham, his solid defensive contributions are reflected in his growing paycheck.
8. Taiwo Awoniyi – $3.25 million/year (~£62k/week)
Club: Nottingham Forest
Awoniyi has been crucial to Forest's fight for Premier League survival. His powerful displays and vital goals have justified his position as one of Nigeria’s top earners.
7. Joe Aribo – $4.54 million/year (~£87k/week)
Club: Southampton
Despite a rocky season with Southampton, Aribo’s earning power hasn’t dipped. His experience and versatility remain valuable, whether in the Championship or the Premier League.
6. Wilfred Ndidi – $5.02 million/year (~£96.5k/week)
Club: Leicester City
A long-standing midfield general at Leicester, Ndidi remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent exports. Though the Foxes are no longer Premier League regulars, Ndidi’s contract extension has kept him near the top of Nigeria’s wage earners.
5. Kelechi Iheanacho – $5.03 million/year (~£96.8k/week)
Club: Middlesbrough (on loan from Sevilla)
The former Golden Eaglets star hasn't quite lived up to early expectations, but his move to Sevilla and subsequent loan to Middlesbrough keep him high on the payroll. His potential for resurgence still draws value.
4. Alex Iwobi – $5.15 million/year (~£99k/week)
Club: Fulham
Iwobi moved from Everton to Fulham in 2023 and quickly cemented his place as a key man. His wages reflect his evolution into a well-rounded, reliable Premier League performer.
3. Samuel Chukwueze – $5.4 million/year (~£104k/week)
Club: AC Milan
Chukwueze’s move to the Rossoneri from Villarreal was highly anticipated. Although game time has fluctuated, he remains one of the highest-paid Nigerians thanks to his contract and potential.
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2. Victor Boniface – €6 million/year (~£115k/week)
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Despite reported Saudi interest and big offers, Boniface signed a contract extension with Bayer Leverkusen until 2029, per Sky Sports Germany.
1. Victor Osimhen – €10 million/year (~£165k/week)
Club: Napoli (loaned to Galatasaray in 2024–25)
While Boniface earns more annually, Osimhen remains Nigeria’s highest-paid footballer in weekly earnings, thanks to his €10 million gross contract at Napoli.
