Have you ever asked yourself, "Who is the highest paid footballer in Nigeria in 2025?" or "Which Nigerian players earn the most in football today?" If you've been searching for detailed answers to questions like: What is the monthly salary of top footballers in Nigeria?, Who earns the most in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL)?, Which Nigerian footballers abroad are the richest?, What makes these players earn so much?, How much do Nigerian strikers, goalkeepers, and midfielders earn? — then you’re in the right place.
This guide gives you a full breakdown of the top 10 highest paid footballers in Nigeria in 2025. You’ll learn their salaries, clubs, playing positions, career highlights, and what makes them worth their paycheck.
Whether you're a local football fan, a youth player dreaming of going pro, or just curious about football wealth in Nigeria, this is the most updated list you need to read.
1. Victor Osimhen — ₦900 Million/Month (Approx $1 Million)
Victor Osimhen is the highest paid Nigerian footballer in 2025, earning close to ₦900 million monthly from his club in Europe. He plays as a striker for Napoli in Italy’s Serie A and has become a household name across Africa and Europe.
Why He Earns So Much:
Top scorer in Serie A and Champions League
Endorsements with global brands like Nike
High transfer value and club impact
Club: Napoli (Italy)
Position: Striker
2. Wilfred Ndidi — ₦400 Million/Month
Wilfred Ndidi is a midfield rock for Leicester City in the English Premier League. With a salary of around ₦400 million per month, he is the highest paid Nigerian midfielder in 2025.
Why He Is Highly Paid:
Consistent defensive contributions
Premier League experience
International leadership for Nigeria
Club: Leicester City (England)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
3. Samuel Chukwueze — ₦280 Million/Month
Samuel Chukwueze plays for AC Milan and earns about ₦280 million per month. The fast and tricky winger is one of the best young talents from Nigeria and continues to grow in Europe.
Why He Gets Paid Well:
Key assists and goals
Speed and dribbling ability
Growing market value
Club: AC Milan (Italy)
Position: Winger
4. Alex Iwobi — ₦250 Million/Month
Alex Iwobi, a versatile attacking midfielder, earns around ₦250 million monthly at Fulham. He’s one of Nigeria’s most reliable and experienced footballers abroad.
What Justifies His Salary:
EPL pedigree
Flexibility across midfield roles
Fan base and endorsements
Club: Fulham (England)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
5. Taiwo Awoniyi — ₦210 Million/Month
Taiwo Awoniyi is a striker for Nottingham Forest in the English Premier League and earns approximately ₦210 million per month. Known for his physical presence and finishing skills.
Why He Earns Big:
Crucial goals in relegation battles
Strong build and performance in key games
Premier League impact
Club: Nottingham Forest (England)
Position: Striker
6. Kelechi Iheanacho — ₦200 Million/Month
Kelechi Iheanacho remains one of Nigeria’s top-paid footballers, with an estimated salary of ₦200 million monthly. He is known for his clever play, long-range goals, and calmness in front of goal.
Why He’s Paid Well:
Versatile forward
FA Cup winner
Experience in Europe
Club: Leicester City (England)
Position: Forward
7. Moses Simon — ₦160 Million/Month
Moses Simon is a reliable winger for FC Nantes in France, earning around ₦160 million monthly. He’s fast, experienced, and plays regularly for the Super Eagles.
Why He’s Well Paid:
Consistent club and country form
Delivers in big matches
Long-standing international profile
Club: FC Nantes (France)
Position: Winger
8. Paul Onuachu — ₦150 Million/Month
Paul Onuachu plays as a striker and earns ₦150 million per month. His height and heading accuracy make him a threat in every game.
Key Salary Drivers:
Top scorer in Belgium
Moves to higher leagues
Goal machine
Club: Trabzonspor (Turkey)
Position: Striker
9. Joe Aribo — ₦140 Million/Month
Joe Aribo plays for Southampton and pockets around ₦140 million monthly. His versatility in midfield and calmness on the ball make him a fan favorite.
Why He’s Highly Rated:
Champions League and Europa League experience
Young and dynamic
Nigeria national team regular
Club: Southampton (England)
Position: Midfielder
10. Ahmed Musa — ₦120 Million/Month
Though past his peak, Ahmed Musa remains among the highest paid Nigerian footballers in 2025 with a salary of ₦120 million per month. His leadership and reputation continue to bring him big deals.
Why He Still Earns Well:
Super Eagles captain history
World Cup experience
Multiple endorsements
Club: Sivasspor (Turkey)
Position: Winger
Summary Table of Highest Paid Nigerian Footballers (2025)
| Rank | Player | Club | Monthly Salary (₦) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Victor Osimhen | Napoli | ₦900 million |
| 2 | Wilfred Ndidi | Leicester City | ₦400 million |
| 3 | Samuel Chukwueze | AC Milan | ₦280 million |
| 4 | Alex Iwobi | Fulham | ₦250 million |
| 5 | Taiwo Awoniyi | Nottingham Forest | ₦210 million |
| 6 | Kelechi Iheanacho | Leicester City | ₦200 million |
| 7 | Moses Simon | FC Nantes | ₦160 million |
| 8 | Paul Onuachu | Trabzonspor | ₦150 million |
| 9 | Joe Aribo | Southampton | ₦140 million |
| 10 | Ahmed Musa | Sivasspor | ₦120 million |
Conclusion
The highest paid footballers in Nigeria in 2025 are earning hundreds of millions in naira each month, especially those playing abroad in top European leagues. Victor Osimhen remains the richest and most successful Nigerian footballer, followed by elite talents like Ndidi, Chukwueze, and Iwobi.
Their earnings reflect years of hard work, skill, and global exposure. Whether they’re strikers, midfielders, or goalkeepers, these players have proven that Nigerian footballers can dominate on the world stage and get paid for it.