Nigeria has produced several talented football players who have made a mark on the world stage.
While most of our favorite Nigerian football stars have been making waves on the international stage with their exceptional skills, this has earned them not only fame but also hefty paychecks.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the top 10 highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2023, who have achieved remarkable success both domestically and internationally.
Top 10 Highest-Paid Nigerian Footballers in 2023
S/N | HIGHEST PAID NIGERIAN FOOTBALLLERS | SALARIES (Per Week) |
1. | Alex Iwobi | £120,000 |
2. | Victor Osimhen | £90,000 |
3. | Kelechi Iheanacho | £80,000 |
4. | Wilfred Ndidi | £75,000 |
5. | Joe Aribo | £70,000 |
6. | Samuel Chukwueze | £62,000 |
7. | Taiwo Awoniyi | £50,000 |
8. | Emmanuel Dennis | £40,000 |
9. | Ademola Lookman | £38,000 |
10. | Paul Onuachu | £30,000 |
1. Alex Iwobi (Everton) – £120,000 per week
At the top of the list is Alex Iwobi, a dynamic midfielder playing for Premier League club Everton. Known for his versatility and creative play on the field, Iwobi began his career at Arsenal and won the FA Cup in 2017. His move to Everton in 2019 for an initial £28 million fee marked a significant step in his career, where he has continued to impress with his performances, earning him a remarkable weekly salary of £120,000.
2. Victor Osimhen (Napoli) – £90,423 per week
Victor Osimhen, a highly skilled striker representing Serie A club Napoli, claims the second spot on our list. His exceptional finishing, pace, strength, and athleticism have made him one of the best strikers in the world. Osimhen’s rise to stardom began at VfL Wolfsburg in Germany before moving to Lille in France and eventually joining Napoli for a club-record fee of €70 million in 2020.
3. Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City) – £80,000 per week
Kelechi Iheanacho, a prolific forward for EFL Championship club Leicester City, takes the third position. Iheanacho started his senior career at Manchester City before moving to Leicester City in 2017 for a reported £25 million fee. His goal-scoring abilities and flair on the field have earned him a weekly paycheck of £80,000, and he has been an integral part of the Super Eagles squad.
4. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) – £75,000 per week
Wilfred Ndidi, a defensive midfielder for EFL Championship club Leicester City, secures the fourth spot on our list. Known for his defensive prowess and impressive positioning, Ndidi joined Leicester City from Belgian side KRC Genk in 2017. His weekly salary of £75,000 reflects his importance to both his club and the Nigerian national team.
5. Joe Aribo (Southampton) – £70,000 per week
Joe Aribo is a talented midfielder playing for EFL Championship club Southampton, and he claims the fifth position. Aribo began his club career at Staines Town before moving to Charlton Athletic in the English Football League. In 2019, he signed for Rangers, winning the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and the Scottish Cup a year later. His exceptional skills in the midfield have been a valuable asset for both club and country, earning him a weekly wage of £70,000.
6. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan) – £62,000 per week
Samuel Chukwueze, a skillful winger representing Serie A club AC Milan, takes the sixth spot. Chukwueze joined Villarreal CF’s youth setup in 2017, before making his way to their main team and finally transferring to AC Milan in the summer of 2023. His electrifying performances on the field have captured the attention of football enthusiasts worldwide, and he earns £62,000 per week.
7. Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest) – £50,000 per week
Taiwo Awoniyi, a powerful striker playing for Premier League club Nottingham Forest, secures the seventh position on our list. Awoniyi’s football journey began in Nigeria before earning recognition and moving to Europe. His goal-scoring prowess and tenacity on the field have earned him a weekly salary of £50,000.
8. Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest) – £40,000 per week
Emmanuel Dennis, a striker for Premier League club Nottingham Forest, claims the eighth spot. Dennis started his career at Kwara Football Academy in Nigeria and has played for clubs like Zorya, Brugge, FC Koln, and Watford before joining Nottingham Forest. His electrifying pace and goal-scoring abilities bring him a weekly wage of £40,000.
9. Ademola Lookman (Atalanta) – £38,326 per week
Ademola Lookman is a talented winger who showcases his skills in Serie A for Atalanta, taking the ninth spot on our list. Lookman’s football journey began at Charlton Athletic, and he later signed for Everton before moving to Leipzig in Germany and eventually joining Atalanta. With a weekly salary of £38,326, Lookman has been a sought-after player in both England and Italy.
10. Paul Onuachu (Southampton) – £30,000 per week
Paul Onuachu, a forward for EFL Championship club Southampton, completes our list. His impressive performances in Belgium and Denmark, where he won League titles, have earned him recognition as a talented striker. Onuachu’s weekly salary of £30,000 reflects his value on the field for both club and country.