Football remains the most loved and widely followed sport in Nigeria. Beyond the passion of the game, many young Nigerians dream of becoming professional footballers not just for fame, but also for the potential financial rewards that come with playing at the highest levels.
One of the most frequently asked questions is: How much does a professional footballer earn in Nigeria in 2025, league by league?
This comprehensive guide will break down the salaries of professional footballers in Nigeria across different leagues. We’ll examine the earnings of players in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), the Nigeria National League (NNL), the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL), and even grassroots and state leagues.
We’ll also look at factors that influence salaries, the benefits players receive, and how Nigerian football salaries compare to international standards.
Introduction: Why Nigerian Football Salaries Matter
Football is not only a sport in Nigeria; it is a way of life. From the streets of Lagos to the stadiums of Kano, millions of youths aspire to become professional players. However, while the game is full of passion, the financial rewards are not always as high as expected, especially when compared to Europe and other parts of the world.
Understanding the salary structure in Nigerian football helps aspiring players, their families, agents, and even clubs to set realistic expectations and plan their careers wisely.
Overview of Football Leagues in Nigeria
Nigeria’s football ecosystem is organized into several tiers:
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Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL): The top-flight professional league.
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Nigeria National League (NNL): The second division, where teams compete for promotion to the NPFL.
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Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL): The professional women’s league.
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Amateur & Grassroots Leagues: Local and regional competitions with minimal pay.
Each of these leagues has its own salary standards, determined by club budgets, sponsorships, and the popularity of the league.
Factors That Influence Footballer Salaries in Nigeria
Several factors determine how much a footballer earns in Nigeria:
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League level: Higher leagues pay more.
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Club resources: Wealthier clubs can afford better salaries.
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Player’s experience and skill: Star players earn more.
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Position: Strikers and goalkeepers may command higher wages.
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Performance and bonuses: Good performance can attract extra bonuses.
League-by-League Salary Breakdown
Below is a detailed look at footballer salaries in each league.
Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)
The NPFL is Nigeria’s highest and most competitive league. Players in this league enjoy the best salaries within the country.
Average Monthly Salaries:
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Top players: ₦800,000 – ₦1.5 million per month
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Mid-level players: ₦400,000 – ₦700,000 per month
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Bench and young players: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 per month
Example:
A star player at Enyimba or Rivers United might earn close to ₦15 million annually, including bonuses and allowances.
Benefits:
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Accommodation and feeding
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Transport and travel allowances
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Match-winning and goal bonuses
Nigeria National League (NNL)
The NNL is the second-tier league, and salaries are lower compared to the NPFL.
Average Monthly Salaries:
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Top players: ₦300,000 – ₦500,000
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Mid-level players: ₦150,000 – ₦250,000
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Newcomers and substitutes: ₦50,000 – ₦100,000
Most players in the NNL also rely heavily on bonuses and allowances.
Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL)
Women’s football is growing in Nigeria, but salaries remain significantly lower than the men’s leagues.
Average Monthly Salaries:
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Top players: ₦150,000 – ₦300,000
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Mid-level players: ₦50,000 – ₦120,000
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Entry-level players: ₦30,000 – ₦50,000
While some star female players also play abroad, domestic pay is still developing.
Amateur and Grassroots Leagues
For players in state and regional leagues, salaries are minimal, if paid at all.
Average Monthly Salaries:
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₦10,000 – ₦50,000
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Often supplemented with allowances, food, or accommodation
Many players in these leagues view them as stepping stones to professional football.
Salary Comparison: NPFL vs. Foreign Leagues
To put things into perspective, here’s how NPFL salaries compare to some foreign leagues:
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South Africa (PSL): ₦2m – ₦8m per month
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Europe (average top-flight): ₦10m – ₦200m per month
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Middle East: ₦5m – ₦50m per month
Clearly, many Nigerian players move abroad for significantly better pay.
Other Benefits Nigerian Footballers Receive
Besides their monthly salary, players may receive:
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Winning bonuses (₦50,000–₦300,000 per match)
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Accommodation and feeding
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Health insurance (in some clubs)
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Travel allowances
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Exposure to scouts and potential international contracts
Challenges Nigerian Players Face
While the salaries sound promising, players often face:
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Irregular or delayed salaries
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Lack of proper contracts in lower leagues
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Poor facilities and welfare in some clubs
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Short career spans without long-term security
Summary Table: Nigerian Footballer Salaries by League (2025)
| League | Top Players (Monthly) | Average Players (Monthly) | Lowest Range (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| NPFL (Top-flight) | ₦800,000 – ₦1.5m | ₦400,000 – ₦700,000 | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 |
| NNL (Second-tier) | ₦300,000 – ₦500,000 | ₦150,000 – ₦250,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦100,000 |
| NWFL (Women’s league) | ₦150,000 – ₦300,000 | ₦50,000 – ₦120,000 | ₦30,000 – ₦50,000 |
| Amateur & Grassroots | ₦20,000 – ₦50,000 | ₦10,000 – ₦30,000 | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
FAQs About Nigerian Footballer Salaries
1. Who is the highest paid footballer in the NPFL?
Typically, star players at clubs like Enyimba or Rivers United, earning over ₦1.5m per month.
2. Do NPFL players earn more than NNL players?
Yes. NPFL salaries are at least double or triple those of NNL players.
3. Why do many Nigerian players move abroad?
Higher pay, better facilities, and international exposure motivate players to move to foreign leagues.
4. Are female footballers paid equally in Nigeria?
No. Women earn significantly less, though efforts are being made to improve NWFL salaries.
5. Do players in grassroots leagues get paid?
Yes, but often very little — usually ₦10,000–₦50,000 monthly.
6. Do players get paid during off-season?
Some clubs offer retainers, but many players are only paid during active seasons.
7. What bonuses do Nigerian footballers get?
Winning bonuses, goal bonuses, and allowances, sometimes up to ₦300,000 per match.
8. Are salaries consistent across all NPFL clubs?
No. Wealthier clubs like Enyimba, Plateau United, and Rivers United pay more than smaller clubs.
9. Can Nigerian footballers earn from endorsements?
Yes. Top players can also earn from brand endorsements, adding to their income.
10. Is playing football in Nigeria financially stable?
While it can be, challenges such as delayed pay and short careers make planning essential.
Conclusion: What You Need to Know
In 2025, Nigerian footballers earn salaries that vary significantly across leagues. While NPFL players enjoy the highest pay within the country — up to ₦1.5 million monthly for top players — NNL, NWFL, and grassroots players earn considerably less.
Despite challenges like irregular pay and lower wages compared to foreign leagues, Nigerian football remains a viable career for passionate and talented players who work hard and seek international opportunities.
For aspiring footballers, understanding these salary structures helps you make informed decisions about your career path and negotiate better contracts.