When we talk about the richest footballers in Nigeria, we’re discussing more than just talented athletes, we’re looking at smart businessmen who have turned their football skills into massive financial empires.
The journey to becoming one of the richest footballers in Nigeria involves not just scoring goals on the pitch, but making smart decisions off it. From the English Premier League to Italy’s Serie A, Spain’s La Liga, and even lucrative moves to China and Saudi Arabia, these players have proven that Nigerian football talent is world-class.
In this article by SportsBuddy, we will be taking a look at the top 20 richest footballers in Nigeria and how they diversified their income beyond just football salaries.
Top 20 Richest Footballers in Nigeria
20. Maduka Okoye – €1.5 Million
Kicking things off at number 20 on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria is Maduka Okoye, and honestly, his story is one of the most interesting on this list.
Sure, being the nephew of the legendary P-Square twins already made him popular but still, you can’t talk about his profile without mentioning his brilliance at Udinese in Serie A.
His wealth isn’t built on family ties but on hard work which reflects in his earnings and finances. As of 2025, Maduka Okoye’s net worth is estimated at a solid €1.5 million.
Pulling in around €17,300 a week in Italy, he’s built a fantastic foundation. Add to that his kit deal with Nike, and you’ve got a 25-year-old goalkeeper with a very bright financial future ahead of him.
19. Joe Aribo – €4 Million
Taking the 19th spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria is Joe Aribo, the midfielder with that silky-smooth touch.
Remember his incredible solo goal in the 2022 Europa League final for Rangers? That moment announced him to the world.
Now at Southampton, his financial game is as strong as his footwork. As of 2025, Joe Aribo’s net worth is estimated at a cool €4 million.
A lot of that comes from his current £70,000-a-week pay packet at Southampton. But let’s not forget his trophy-laden spell in Scotland.
Winning titles with Rangers didn’t just fill his cabinet with medals, it filled his bank account with some serious performance bonuses. He’s not one for flashy endorsements, preferring to let his football do the talking and his contract do the earning.
18. Kenneth Omeruo – €8 Million
Coming in at number 18 on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria is a true Super Eagles veteran, Kenneth Omeruo. You might remember he was part of that famous 2013 AFCON-winning squad as a teenager.
Over a decade later, he’s still going strong, now with CFR Cluj in Romania. What’s really impressive about Omeruo isn’t just his longevity on the pitch, but his smart thinking off it. As of 2025, Kenneth Omeruo net worth is estimated at €5 million.
While his current salary is a modest part of his wealth, the real story is his business mind. This guy owns his own football academy back in Nigeria and even holds shares in a Portuguese club. He’s not just playing the game, he’s investing in its future.
17. William Troost-Ekong – €5 Million
The Super Eagles ‘Capo’ comes at number 17 on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria. William Troost-Ekong, is a name that strikes fear into strikers across Africa, and his move to the Saudi First Division with Al-Kholood has certainly added to his financial firepower.
As of 2025, William Troost-Ekong’s net worth is estimated at €5 million with a current salary in Saudi Arabia at €55,000 a week. William Troost-Ekong is the kind of defender brands love to be associated with as he is strong, professional, and respected.
That’s why he has deals with giants like Adidas and TAG Heuer. And beyond the money, he’s putting his wealth to good use, running the Troost-Ekong Foundation which supports education and sports back home in Nigeria.
16. Samuel Chukwueze – €6 Million
Samuel Chukwueze, also called the “Nigerian Arjen Robben” takes the 16th spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
Samuel Chukwueze became a household name with his impressive wing play at Villarreal, which earned him a blockbuster move to AC Milan.
Now showcasing his skills on loan at Fulham, his financial rise has been as rapid as his famous left-footed cuts inside. As of 2025, Samuel Chukwueze’s net worth is estimated at €6.
He is a serious earner with salaries at both Milan and Fulham hovering around the £6.2 million per year mark. But the money doesn’t stop when he leaves the training ground.
He’s got a mouth-watering boot deal with Nike and is represented by the powerhouse talent agency, Roc Nation. And he’s already thinking about life after football, making smart investments in real estate back in his home state of Abia.
15. Taiwo Awoniyi – €6 Million
Taiwo Awoniyi, the man with the incredible redemption story, claims the 15th position on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
He was signed by Liverpool as a youngster but spent years on loan across Europe before finally finding his feet at Union Berlin. His perseverance paid off with a dream move to the Premier League with Nottingham Forest. As of 2025, Taiwo Awoniyi’s net worth is estimated at €6 million.
He’s now earning a fantastic £50,000 a week in the world’s most-watched league. Alongside his Puma endorsement, he’s already giving back in a way that creates a legacy. He owns a football academy in Kwara State, ensuring the next generation has a better path than he did.
14. Henry Onyekuru – €6 Million
Henry Onyekuru’s career has been a global tour, from Belgium to England, Turkey, Saudi and now back in the Turkish League again with Gençlerbirliği S.K.
The speedy winger has always been a goal threat, and his move to Saudi Arabia has made him a major financial threat too. His salary at Saudi’s Al-Fayha was a massive €4.2 million per year. That’s the kind of financial power the Saudi league brings.
As of 2025, Henry Onyekuru’s net worth is estimated at €6 million.
While he keeps his endorsement deals and private investments close to his chest, his high-profile wedding in Benin City was the talk of the town and a glimpse into the lifestyle his successful career has afforded him.
He’s living proof that talent and a well-chosen move can equal serious financial success.
13. Ogenyi Onazi – €6.4 Million
At number 13 on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria, we have a midfield enforcer from a recent golden generation, Ogenyi Onazi.
For nearly a decade, he was a rock in the middle of the park for Lazio in Serie A, and those were his peak earning years. He was earning a reported €300,000 a week at his peak which is a life-changing money.
Onazi invested that wisely in family-focused ventures and is known for his passionate advocacy work in road safety. Now playing for Acireale Calcio in Italy’s lower tiers, his wealth is a testament to his incredibly successful prime.
As of 2025, Ogenyi Onazi’s net worth is estimated at €6.4 million. His net worth shows the power of a long, successful career at the very top level.
12. Vincent Enyeama – €7 Million
Vincent Enyeama, known by many as the greatest Nigerian goalkeeper of all time, comes in at number 12 on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
After a glorious career, most notably with Lille in France, he’s been retired since 2018. But as they say, the money doesn’t retire if you’re smart about it. As of 2025, Vincent Enyeama’s net worth is estimated at €7 million.
Without a playing salary, his wealth comes from his past earnings and his brilliant post-retirement hustle. He was one of the most endorsed goalkeepers of his era, with deals from Pepsi and Guinness.
Now, he’s a businessman, running Vinpy Hotels in Uyo and operating his own goalkeeping academy. He’s a masterclass in how to transition from sports star to business mogul.
11. Ademola Lookman – €8 Million
On the 11th spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria comes the man who lit up the 2023 AFCON and became a Serie A sensation with Atalanta.
Ademola Lookman’s rise has been meteoric, and his finances have followed suit. After bouncing around England, he found his home in Italy, and his bank account is very happy about it. As of 2025, Ademola Lookman’s net worth is estimated at €8 million.
His salary at Atalanta is a massive €2.31 million a year, but the real financial wins came from his transfers. That initial £11 million move from Charlton to Everton set him up for life.
With a Nike deal and savvy investments in London’s lucrative real estate market, Lookman is a modern athlete who understands that your career is a brand, and that brand needs to be diversified.
10. Victor Osimhen – €12 Million
Breaking into the top 10 on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria, is a global superstar, Victor Osimhen. The former Napoli goal-machine and Serie A champion is currently one of the deadliest strikers in the world.
His record-breaking move to Napoli and his subsequent goal-scoring exploits made him one of the most sought-after strikers in the world.
His move Galatasaray comes with a financial package that will make your eyes water. This includes a €15 million annual salary, a €1 million loyalty bonus, and €5 million for his image rights.
Off the pitch? He’s a marketer’s dream, with deals from Nike, Dettol, and EA Sports. Victor is more than just a player; he’s a businessman with ventures in sports management, IT, and his own football academy in Lagos.
As of 2025, Victor Osimhen’s net worth is estimated at €12 million.
9. Emmanuel Emenike – €15 Million
At number 9 on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria is a retired striker who knew how to find the net and, it turns out, how to build wealth.
Emmanuel Emenike was a powerhouse for Fenerbahçe and the Super Eagles. Since retiring in 2020, he’s traded scoring goals for making major business moves.
As of 2025, Emmanuel Emenike’s net worth is estimated at a huge €15 million.
During his playing days, he was on a monstrous €300,000-a-week contract. That’s the kind of money that sets you up for life if you’re smart. And Emenike is smart.
He’s now deep into the lifestyle and real estate sectors in Nigeria, often flaunting his success and ventures on social media. He’s the perfect example of a player who used his football earnings as a launchpad for a second, incredibly successful career in business.
8. Obafemi Martins – €23 Million
Obafemi Martins, popularly known as ObaGoal, was a global sensation, thrilling fans at Inter Milan, Newcastle, and beyond.
He officially retired in 2020, but his financial engine is still running at full speed. As of 2025, Obafemi Martins’ net worth is estimated at a colossal €23 million.
His career earnings were astronomical, especially his $6.6 million-a-year deal in China. But what’s really impressive is his business portfolio. He owns “Cosa Nostra Patron,” one of the most popular nightclubs in Lagos, and has massive real estate investments.
Martins transitioned from a football star to a straight-up business tycoon, and his net worth proves he’s winning at this game, too. No wonder why he takes the 8th spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
7. Ahmed Musa – €24 Million
Ahmed Musa, a former Super Eagles captain and the current General Manager of NPFL team, Kano Pillars sits at number 7 spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
In a move that shocked many, he chose to return to play for Kano Pillars in Nigeria on a relatively modest deal, but don’t let that fool you. This guy is a financial powerhouse.
As of 2025, Ahmed Musa’s net worth is estimated at a massive €24 million.
You might be wondering how this is possible? Endorsements and business, that’s how. He’s one of the most marketable athletes in Nigeria, with lifelong deals with the likes of Nike and Pepsi.
Beyond that, he owns sports centers, clothing brands, filling stations, and hotels in Saudi Arabia. His salary is just a footnote in his financial story. Musa is a brand, and that brand is worth a fortune.
6. Victor Moses – €26.2 Million
Victor Moses, the man who was reborn as a wing-back under Antonio Conte at Chelsea, has enjoyed a fantastic career filled with Premier League and Europa League glory.
Now at Luton Town, his financial standing is as solid as his defensive performances. As of 2025, Victor Moses’s net worth is estimated at €26.2 million.
From his £3.9 million per year peak at Chelsea to his current earnings in League One side, his playing contracts have built a formidable fortune.
Victor Moses also has an Adidas sponsorship and smart real estate investments in the US which he’s managed his money wisely. He also runs a foundation for orphans, showing that his wealth is a tool for positive change.
5. Alex Iwobi – €31 Million
Sitting on the fifth spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria is Alex Iwobi, a dynamic midfielder who came through Arsenal‘s academy and is now a key player for Fulham.
As one of the most recognizable Nigerian players in the Premier League, his financial status is seriously impressive. As of 2025, Alex Iwobi’s net worth is estimated at a whopping €31 million.
His weekly wage at Fulham is estimated at a staggering £80,000 per week, making him one of the highest paid African footballers in the Premier League.
Iwobi not just a footballer, he’s also a musician, content creator, and entrepreneur. With major deals from Roc Nation and Nike, plus his own ventures in digital marketing and even music production, he’s building a 360-degree brand. He’s the future of athlete wealth.
4. Wilfred Ndidi – €34 Million
The midfield maestro and one-time FA Cup and Community Shield winner, Wilfred Ndidi, takes the 4th spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
For years, he’s been one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League before leaving for Beşiktaş, and his contract reflects his immense value to the team.
As of 2025, Wilfred Ndidi’s net worth is estimated at €34 million.
Currently earning €4 million per year at Beşiktaş, he’s secured his financial future through his on-pitch excellence.
With a Puma endorsement and a very smart head on his shoulders, he’s invested heavily in real estate in Abuja. Furthermore, he runs community football academies in Lagos, ensuring his wealth has a direct and positive impact back home.
3. Kelechi Iheanacho – €35 Million
Kelechi Iheanacho, popularly known as “Senior Man Kelz” or “man with the magic left foot” grabs the number 3 spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
From his breakout at Manchester City to his FA Cup-winning heroics with Leicester City, Iheanacho has been a consistent performer at the highest level.
His financial portfolio is as diverse as his skill set. With a salary that reached £90,000 a week at Leicester, endorsements with Nike and MTN, and even involvement in Bitcoin deals through his agency, he’s a very modern investor.
Add his own real estate and a football academy in Kwara State, and you have a perfectly balanced financial powerhouse.
As of 2025, Kelechi Iheanacho’s net worth is estimated at €35 million.
2. Odion Ighalo – €38 Million
The number 2 spot on our list of richest footballers in Nigeria goes to the man who lived every Nigerian footballer’s dream – leading the line for Manchester United.
Odion Ighalo’s career has been a masterclass in maximizing earnings, from his successful stint at Watford to his mind-blowing contracts in China.
Now at Al-Wehda in Saudi Arabia, he’s still cashing in. As of 2025, Odion Ighalo’s net worth is estimated at €38 million.
We can’t talk about Ighalo’s net worth without mention his staggering salary at Chinese club, Shanghai Shenhua where he earned a massive £400,000 every week.
That’s massive £19,000,000 yearly salary which is something you rarely see an African player earn.
Despite the huge salary, Ighalo still earned from his lucrative deals with Puma and Pepsi, and other sports brands.
1. John Obi Mikel – €50 Million
And here he is, the richest of them all. Topping SportsBuddy list of the richest footballers in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of €50 million is the legendary John Obi Mikel.
The man who anchored Chelsea‘s midfield for over a decade, winning everything there is to win, including the UEFA Champions League.
Since retiring, he’s transitioned seamlessly into a role as a pundit and businessman, evening owning a podcast with hundreds of thousands of weekly listeners.
His career earnings surpassed €100 million, highlighted by a £140,000-a-week deal in China.
But Mikel obi net worth lies in his post-retirement strategy. His wealth is now powered by a vast real estate portfolio spanning Nigeria and Dubai, a sports management firm, and legendary endorsement deals, like his N800 million partnership with Pepsi.
He also runs a foundation for youth development. John Obi Mikel isn’t just the richest Nigerian footballer; he is the blueprint for turning sporting success into a lasting financial empire.
Below is a table showing SportsBuddy’s list of richest footballers in Nigeria.
| Rank | Name | Net Worth |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | Maduka Okoye | €1.5 Million |
| 19 | Joe Aribo | €4 Million |
| 18 | Kenneth Omeruo | €8 Million |
| 17 | William Troost-Ekong | €5 Million |
| 16 | Samuel Chukwueze | €6 Million |
| 15 | Taiwo Awoniyi | €6 Million |
| 14 | Henry Onyekuru | €6 Million |
| 13 | Ogenyi Onazi | €6.4 Million |
| 12 | Vincent Enyeama | €7 Million |
| 11 | Ademola Lookman | €8 Million |
| 10 | Victor Osimhen | €12 Million |
| 9 | Emmanuel Emenike | €15 Million |
| 8 | Obafemi Martins | €23 Million |
| 7 | Ahmed Musa | €24 Million |
| 6 | Victor Moses | €26.2 Million |
| 5 | Alex Iwobi | €31 Million |
| 4 | Wilfred Ndidi | €34 Million |
| 3 | Kelechi Iheanacho | €35 Million |
| 2 | Odion Ighalo | €38 Million |
| 1 | John Obi Mikel | €50 Million |
And there you have it, the definitive list of richest footballers in Nigeria in 2025.
From the legendary figures who built empires from their historic careers, like John Obi Mikel and Vincent Enyeama, to the current stars like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi who are redefining athlete wealth through massive contracts and savvy business ventures, one thing is clear: financial success in football is no longer just about the paycheck.
It’s about brand building, smart investments, and strategic planning for life after the final whistle.
