Nigeria has always produced world-class football talent from Jay Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu to John Obi Mikel who have graced some of the biggest leagues and competitions around the world. These players have not only become fan favorites but have also enjoyed significant financial success due to their performances and marketability.
In 2024, several Nigerian footballers have made their mark on the international scene and are among the top earners in the sport. Here is a list of the top-earning Nigerian footballers in 2024.
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1. Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Serie A)
Samuel Chukwueze's a forward Right Wing striker transfer to AC Milan in 2023 marked a major step in his career. Known for his pace and trickery on the wings, Chukwueze has been a standout performer in Serie A. His move came with a considerable salary bump, making him one of the best-paid Nigerian players in Europe.
Samuel has 4 years and €20,520,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with AC Milan expiring on Jun 30, 2028. Samuel Chukwueze, who is 25 years old, will earn a gross base salary of €5,130,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or €98,654 per week, not including bonuses.
(Source: https://www.capology.com/player/samuel-chukwueze-36302)
2. Victor Osimhen (Galatasary – Super Lig)
Victor Osimhen's current situation has taken an interesting turn. After a turbulent summer transfer window where deals with clubs like Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Al-Ahli fell through, Osimhen secured a loan move to Galatasaray from Napoli. This happened just after the European transfer deadline in early September 2024. Napoli, eager to offload him after their relationship went south, allowed the loan, though it includes a break clause, meaning Osimhen could return to Napoli in January 2025 if a suitable offer comes in from another club.
His time in Galatasaray might be short-lived, as interest from clubs like Chelsea remains strong. However, his loan move gives him an opportunity to play regularly and avoid the uncertainty that followed his Napoli breakout
Victor Osimhen has 1 year and €10,000,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Galatasaray (Super Lig), expiring on Jun 30, 2025. For Victor Osimhen Salary, who is 25 years old, will earn a gross base salary of €10,000,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or €192,308 per week, not including bonuses. For now, he is focused on contributing to Galatasaray, but expect more transfer speculation as the winter window approaches.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/victor-osimhen-36158)
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3. Alex Iwobi (Fulham - English Premier League)
Alex Iwobi continues to be a pivotal figure in the English Premier League, now plying his trade at Fulham. Known for his versatility and playmaking abilities, Iwobi’s transfer from Everton came with a lucrative contract, solidifying his place among Nigeria’s top earners. His annual income, inclusive of wages and endorsements from brands like Adidas.
Alex Iwobi has 4 years and £16,640,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with the England Premier League side Fulham expiring on Jun 30, 2028. Alex Iwobi, who is 28 years old, will earn a gross base salary of £4,160,000 for the 2024-2025 season, or £80,000 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/alex-iwobi-35188)
4. Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City - English Premier League)
Kelechi Iheanacho has consistently been a top performer for Leicester City, often stepping up in crucial moments. His ability to score key goals has earned him a significant contract with the club, making him one of the top earners among Nigerian footballers. Alongside his salary, Iheanacho has inked deals with sports brands and gaming companies.
Kelechi Iheanacho (Centre-Forward) has 2 years and €9,600,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Sevilla (La Liga), expiring on Jun 30, 2026. Kelechi Iheanacho, who is 27 years old, will earn a gross base salary of €4,800,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or €92,308 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/kelechi-iheanacho-35341)
5. Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City - English Premier League)
Wilfred Ndidi has long been a key player for Leicester City, known for his defensive prowess and ball-winning skills in midfield. Despite Leicester's fluctuating fortunes, Ndidi remains one of the highest-paid players at the club, with a weekly wage that reflects his importance on the pitch. In addition to his club salary, Ndidi enjoys several sponsorship deals and endorsements that bolster his earnings.
Wilfred Ndidi (Defensive Midfield) has 3 years and £11,700,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Leicester (Premier League), expiring on Jun 30, 2027. Wilfred Ndidi, who is 27 years old, will earn a gross base salary of £3,900,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or £75,000 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/wilfred-ndidi-35415)
6. Joe Aribo (Southampton - English Championship)
Joe Aribo’s switch to Southampton has been a mixed experience, but his talents are undeniable. As one of the most skilled Nigerian midfielders, Aribo remains a top earner at the club, even after their relegation to the Championship. His technical ability and creativity in midfield have also secured him sponsorship deals
Joe Aribo (Central Midfield) has 2 years and £7,280,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Southampton (Premier League), expiring on Jun 30, 2026. Joe Aribo, who is 28 years old, will earn a gross base salary of £3,640,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or £70,000 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/joe-aribo-35267)
7. Frank Onyeka (Brentford - English Premier League)
Frank Onyeka has been a solid presence in Brentford's midfield since joining the club. Known for his tenacity and defensive skills, Onyeka has secured a decent contract in the Premier League. His steady rise in football has also attracted endorsement opportunities.
Frank Onyeka (Central Midfield) has 1 year and €2,450,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Augsburg (1.Bundesliga), expiring on Jun 30, 2025. Frank Onyeka, who is 26 years old, will earn a gross base salary of €2,450,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or €47,115 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/frank-onyeka-35796)
8. Taiwo Awoniyi (Nottingham Forest - English Premier League)
Taiwo Awoniyi’s rise in the Premier League has been remarkable. After an impressive debut season with Nottingham Forest, Awoniyi’s contract was improved, reflecting his importance to the club’s attacking setup. His work rate, physical presence, and goal-scoring ability make him a valuable asset.
Taiwo Awoniyi (Centre-Forward) has 3 years and £7,800,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Nottingham Forest (Premier League), expiring on Jun 30, 2027. Taiwo Awoniyi, who is 27 years old, will earn a gross base salary of £2,600,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or £50,000 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/taiwo-awoniyi-35654)
9. Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest - English Premier League)
Ola Aina’s versatility as a full-back has made him a valuable asset for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. After leaving Torino in Serie A, Aina’s move back to England came with a solid financial package, making him one of the higher earners among Nigerian footballers. Aina's total earnings, including his sponsorship deals.
Ola Aina (Right Back) has 1 year and £2,080,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Nottingham Forest (Premier League), expiring on Jun 30, 2025. Ola Aina, who is 27 years old, will earn a gross base salary of £2,080,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or £40,000 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/ola-aina-35346)
10. Emmanuel Dennis (Watford - English Championship)
Despite Watford’s relegation to the Championship, Emmanuel Dennis continues to shine as one of their key players. His goal-scoring and creative abilities have kept him on the radar of Premier League clubs. While playing in the Championship has slightly reduced his earnings, Dennis still commands a significant wage, along with bonuses and endorsement deals that bring his annual income
Emmanuel Dennis (Centre-Forward) has 2 years and £4,160,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Nottingham Forest (Premier League), expiring on Jun 30, 2026. Emmanuel Dennis, who is 26 years old, will earn a gross base salary of £2,080,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or £40,000 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/emmanuel-dennis-35749)
11. Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor - Süper Lig)
Paul Onuachu made a move to Trabzonspor in the Turkish Süper Lig after an impressive spell in Belgium. Known for his towering presence and goal-scoring prowess, Onuachu has become a fan favorite in Turkey. His contract with Trabzonspor, combined with bonuses and endorsements.
Paul Onuachu (Centre-Forward) has 2 years and £3,120,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Southampton (Premier League), expiring on Jun 30, 2026. Paul Onuachu, who is 30 years old, will earn a gross base salary of £1,560,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or £30,000 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/paul-onuachu-34482)
12. Moses Simon (Nantes - Ligue 1)
Moses Simon has been a consistent performer for French club Nantes, where he has been instrumental in their attacking play. His pace, dribbling, and versatility have attracted attention from top European clubs, but he remains one of Nantes' key players. Simon’s contract, alongside his sponsorship deals.
Moses Simon (Left Wing) has 2 years and €4,800,000 gross salary remaining on his contract with Nantes (Ligue 1), expiring on Jun 30, 2026. Moses Simon, who is 29 years old, will earn a gross base salary of €2,400,000 for the 2024-2025 Season, or €46,154 per week, not including bonuses.
(source: https://www.capology.com/player/moses-simon-34892)
13. Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor - Turkish Süper Lig)
Veteran forward Ahmed Musa remains one of Nigeria's most recognizable footballing figures. Now playing for Sivasspor in Turkey, Musa's experience and leadership on and off the pitch ensure that he remains among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers. While his salary may not match his peak years.
Ahmed Musa (Forward) has earned approximately $8,084,005 gross in his playing career. He last played for Sivasspor (Super Lig) in 2023-2024. Base salary estimates are not inclusive of bonuses or incentives. All salary figures are estimates and do not represent official figures. Coverage may be limited or incomplete.
(Source: https://www.capology.com/player/ahmed-musa-33891)
Conclusion
The football talent coming out of Nigeria continues to shine on the global stage, with players making significant impacts in Europe’s top leagues. From Victor Osimhen’s goal-scoring exploits in Italy to Wilfred Ndidi’s defensive masterclasses in England, Nigerian footballers are not only among the best in the world but are also reaping financial rewards for their contributions. The year 2024 has been a standout one for many of these players, solidifying their places among the highest earners in the sport.
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