In this article News24ngr chronicles ten richest footballers in Nigeria 2024
Nigeria is known for its vibrant culture and diverse talents, has produced some of the world’s most successful footballers. These athletes have not only made their mark on the field but have also amassed significant wealth through their careers, endorsement deals, and investments. Here are the top 10 richest footballer in Nigeria
1. JOHN MIKEL OBI
John Mikel Obi, a former Nigeria International and Chelsea star, retired from football at the age of 35 in September 2022 is considered the wealthiest footballer in the Nigeria team.
His football career included stints with clubs such as Chelsea Tianjin Teda, Trabzonspor and Kuwait SC. During his time at Chelsea, Obi was reported to have a weekly salary of £82,000.
Later when he moved to Chinese League club, TIANJIN TEDA, his weekly earnings increased to £140,000. In 2014, he signed a five year endorsement deals with Amstel Malta worth 800 million alongside Nigerian actress Genevive Nnaji, making him the only African celebrity to sign such a high endorsement contract.
He also signed a two year deal worth 20 million with peak, a leading milk brand in Nigeria. As of 2024, John Mikel Obi’s estimated networth is around $60 million.
This includes his earnings from football and endorsements as well as his assets which includes a house worth more than £200,000 and luxury cars including a Range Rover Sport, Bentley Continental GT, and a Mercedes G-wagon worth £650,000 in total.
2. KELECHI IHEANACHO
Kelechi iheanacho is one of the richest footballer in Nigeria who is currently playing for Leicester City Premier League Club as a forward.
He is best known for his speed, technical ability and goal-scoring prowess. Before his current contract, his performance in the tournament caught the attention of scouts and he eventually signed with Manchester City.
After a successful stint with Manchester City, he moved to Leicester City in 2017. Internationally, he represents the Nigerian national team, participating in competitions like FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations.
As for endorsement deals, iheanacho has been associated with sportwear giant Nike. Nike supplies kits to the Nigerian national team and Leicester City and he has been seen promoting their products.
He has a weekly salary of £65,000 and monthly salary of £280,000. His annual earnings amount to £3,380,000. As of 2024, his networth is approximately £35 million.
3. VICTOR JAMES OSIMHEN
Victor James Osimhen is an highly skilled Nigerian footballer. His breakthrough came in 2015 when he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball awards at the FIFA U-17 World Cup helping Nigeria win the tournament.
In 2020, he established himself with Napoli in series where he impressed with his performance. A specific highlight was his role as a key goalscorer in firing Napoli to their first Scudetto since the times of Diego Maradona in the 2022/23 season, during which he scored 31 goals in 39 matches.
Regardless of Napoli’s subsequent struggle, Osimhen remains in high demand anticipating a transfer before the 2024/25 season.In regards to his earnings, Napoli signed Osimhen from French club Lille in July 2020 for an initial fee of €70 million, with a further €10 million due in bonuses.
This deal made Osimhen the club’s record signing. Later in December 2023, Osimhen signed a new contract with Napoli that extended through the end of the 2025/2026 season.
This agreement nearly doubled his salary to an estimated €10 million ($10.85 million) per season and incorporated a release clause between €120 million and €130 million.
Regarding his net worth, there is much online speculation, but realistic estimates put it between $10 million and $12 million. If he stayed at Napoli for the duration of his current contract, he would earn approximately $27 million.
4. AHMED MUSA
Ahmed Musa is one of the richest footballer who primarily plays as a left winger but can also serve as a centre-forward or right winger.
He gained international recognition for his incredible performances in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where he scored twice against Argentina and became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match.
He has played for several European clubs, including CSKA Moscow and Leicester City, and represented the Nigeria national team in 108 matches, scoring 16 goals. Moreover, he contributes significantly to social causes, supporting education and healthcare initiatives in Nigeria.
In 2024, he is without a club, as he left his last club, Sivasspor, on February 26, 2024. Beyond just his football career, Musa has demonstrated considerable business acumen.
He has endorsement deals with major brands and has been instrumental in combining athletic brilliance with business strategy to position himself as a globally appealing figure in the sports industry.
Musa has diversified his financial portfolio with entrepreneurial ventures, investing in real estate and the fashion industry. As of 2024, his networth estimated is between $20-30 million.
5. ALEX IWOBI
Alex iwobi is a Nigerian footballer who plays in the position of an attacking midfield. He also plays for the Nigeria national team and has achieved 63 caps and 10 goals so far.
His career started at Arsenal FC before transferring to Everton FC, and then to Fulham FC. In addition to his main position as an attacking midfield, Iwobi also plays as a left winger and right winger.
Iwobi’s football journey began at Arsenal FC, where he played from 2015 to 2018. During his time at Arsenal, he earned a total of $7,280,000 over four years.
His performances caught the attention of Everton FC, who signed him in 2018. At Everton, Iwobi’s earnings increased, and he made $14,040,000 over the next four years.
In 2023, Iwobi made a move to Fulham FC, where he is currently playing. His contract with Fulham FC is set to last until 2028, and over these five years, he is expected to earn $20,800,000.
This means that from 2024 to 2028, Iwobi will receive a base salary of $4,160,000 each year.In addition to his earnings from football, Iwobi also has an endorsement deal with Nike, a leading sportswear brand. Iwobi’s net worth is around €31 million.
6. WILFRED NDIDI
Wilfred Ndidi is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for Premier League club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team. He began his professional career with Genk in Belgium before moving to Leicester City in 2017.
Ndidi’s career has been on an upward trajectory since joining Leicester City, where he has established himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. He has been a key player for the club, helping them win the FA Cup in 2021 and qualifying for European competitions.
In terms of earnings, Ndidi is reported to have a weekly salary of around £100,000 at Leicester City and this translates to an annual salary of approximately €5.2 million making him one of the highest-paid players at the club.
In addition to his club salary, he also earns money from endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Pepsi. Wilfred Ndidi has had a successful career in football, both on and off the pitch, and continues to be a valuable asset for Leicester City and the Nigeria national team.
His estimated net worth is $10 million.
7. EMMANUEL EMENIKE
Emmanuel Emenike is a retired Nigerian professional footballer who had a successful career playing for various clubs and the Nigerian national team.
He started his professional career in South Africa before moving to clubs in Turkey, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates.
On the international stage, Emenike represented Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations and the FIFA World Cup. He was a key player for the Super Eagles, helping the team win the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013 and also representing Nigeria at the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
He has also won several individual and team awards, including the Turkish Super Lig Golden Boot in the 2013-2014 season.
As for his net worth, Emmanuel Emenike is estimated to have a net worth of around $15 million. This includes his earnings from football, endorsements, and other investments he may have made during his career.
Emenike is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in his home country of Nigeria, where he has supported various charitable causes and initiatives.
8. ODION IGHALO
Odion ighalo is one of the richest footballer in Nigeria who plays as a striker and he is known for his goal-scoring prowess and physical presence on the field.
Ighalo began his professional career in Nigeria with Prime FC before moving to Europe to play for clubs such as Udinese, Granada, Watford, and Manchester United. He has also represented the Nigerian national team, earning over 35 caps and scoring multiple goals.
Throughout his career, Ighalo has won several individual and team awards, including the Chinese Super League Golden Boot in the 2018 season.
He has also helped his teams win various domestic and international titles.
As of 2021, Odion Ighalo’s net worth is estimated to be around $20 million.
This wealth has been accumulated through his successful football career, lucrative contracts, endorsements, and investments. Ighalo is known for his charitable efforts, particularly in Nigeria, where he has supported various causes and initiatives to give back to his community.
9. OBAFEMI MARTINS
Obafemi Martins is a Nigerian professional footballer. He is a versatile forward who has played for several top clubs around the world during his career.
Martins began his professional career in Nigeria with FC Ebedei before moving to Europe to play for clubs such as Inter Milan, Newcastle United, Wolfsburg, Rubin Kazan, Seattle Sounders, Shanghai Shenhua, and most recently, Wuhan Zall.
He has also represented the Nigerian national team, earning over 40 caps and scoring multiple goals. Throughout his career, Martins has won several individual and team awards, including the Italian Serie A title with Inter Milan and the MLS Cup with Seattle Sounders.
He is known for his speed, agility, and goal-scoring ability on the field. As of 2021, Obafemi Martins’ net worth is estimated to be around $35 million.
This wealth has been accumulated through his successful football career, lucrative contracts, endorsements, and investments. Martins is also involved in various business ventures and philanthropic activities, supporting causes in Nigeria and beyond.
10. OGENYI ONAZI
Ogenyi onazi is one of the wealthiest Nigerian footballer. He began his professional football career with Lazio in 2011 after impressing at youth level. Onazi quickly established himself as a key midfielder for both club and country, earning praise for his tenacity and work rate on the pitch.
During his time at Lazio, Onazi made over 100 appearances and gained valuable experience in Serie A. In 2016, he moved to Turkish side Trabzonspor, where he continued to excel in midfield and earns £16,000 per week. Onazi’s career also includes stints with clubs like Denizlispor.
Onazi has likely amassed a significant fortune through his football contracts, endorsements, and other business ventures.Throughout his career, Onazi has represented the Nigerian national team, participating in multiple Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
He is known for his combative style of play and leadership qualities on the field. His estimated networth is about $6million
CONCLUSION
These footballers have accumulated their wealth through their football careers, with many engaging in successful stints with internationally-renowned football clubs leading to high weekly salaries that contribute significantly towards their overall net worth.