The Most Expensive Nigerian Footballers in History
Nigerian footballers have commanded outrageous transfer fees across Europe’s biggest leagues. From record-breaking deals in Italy to big-money moves in the Premier League, Nigeria continues to produce top talent that attracts hefty investment.
Here’s a look at the most expensive Nigerian players in history:
1. Victor Osimhen (Lille to Napoli) – €78.9 million
Victor Osimhen’s transfer to Napoli in 2020 remains the most expensive involving a Nigerian player. Napoli paid €75 million plus add-ons to sign him — a deal that was instrumental in their historic Serie A title win after over 30 years.
2. Victor Osimhen (Napoli to Galatasaray) – €75 million
Osimhen also occupies the second spot with his move to Galatasaray from Napoli in 2025. This deal shattered the Turkish league’s transfer record.
3. Alex Iwobi (Arsenal to Everton) – €30.4 million
Everton paid an initial €30 million for Iwobi, which could rise to €40 million with bonuses. At the time, the fee reflected the high regard clubs had for his versatility and creativity.
4. Kelechi Iheanacho (Man City to Leicester City) – €27.7 million
Iheanacho left Manchester City for Leicester in 2017, with the Foxes investing big in his potential as a long-term striker solution.
5. Alex Iwobi (Everton to Fulham) – €25.7 million
Fulham secured Iwobi’s services on deadline day, seeking to bolster their midfield with experience and dynamism from the former Arsenal man.
6. Odion Ighalo (Watford to Changchun Yatai) – €23.3 million
Ighalo was among the early big-name players to move to China, with Changchun Yatai paying €23.3 million to sign him from Watford.
7. Nathan Tella (Southampton to Bayer Leverkusen) – €23.3 million
After excelling on loan at Burnley, Tella joined Leverkusen for €23.3 million. His pace and versatility made him a perfect fit for Xabi Alonso’s dynamic setup.
8. Calvin Bassey (Rangers to Ajax) – €23 million
Bassey signed for Ajax in a record deal for Rangers, with a base fee of €23 million potentially rising to €26.5 million. It was the second-largest signing in Ajax history at the time.
9. Victor Boniface (Union SG to Bayer Leverkusen) – €22.6 million
Boniface moved to Leverkusen on a deal worth €22.6 million initially, rising to €27.5 million with add-ons. The deal included a sell-on clause for former club Bodø/Glimt.
10. Terem Moffi (Lorient to Nice) – €22.5 million
Moffi joined OGC Nice after an initial loan and a mandatory purchase clause. The full deal amounted to €30 million, making him the most expensive player in Nice’s history at the time.
