Top 7 Most Expensive Nigerian Footballers Transferred

Nigerian football has produced some of the most valuable players on the global stage, with transfers involving massive fees to top European clubs. Here's a look at the seven priciest Nigerian football transfers based on reported amounts.

These transfers not only show the talent coming out of Nigeria but also how the Super Eagles' stars have gained immense worth worldwide.

7. Taiwo Awoniyi – €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022)Awoniyi's path to prominence took time. After joining Liverpool as a youngster in 2015, he never played competitively for them due to work permit problems and went on several loans. His breakthrough came at Union Berlin where his scoring and hold-up play impressed. Nottingham Forest, newly promoted to the Premier League in 2022, paid €20.5 million, making him their record signing then. He justified their investment with crucial goals helping Forest avoid relegation, becoming a fan favorite and a regular for Nigeria.
6. Terem Moffi – €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)Moffi has emerged as one of Nigeria’s exciting forwards known for his power and clinical finishing. He established himself in France’s Ligue 1 with Lorient, regularly scoring and ranking among the top scorers. In 2023, OGC Nice signed him permanently for €22.5 million after a loan spell, marking one of the biggest deals in French football that year.
5. Odion Ighalo – €23.3 Million (Watford to Changchun Yatai, 2016)Ighalo was among the first Nigerians to make a significant move to China amid Asian football’s rise. After impressive goal-scoring form at Watford in the Premier League, Chinese club Changchun Yatai offered €23.3 million in 2016. At the time, this made Ighalo one of Africa’s highest-paid players. He later played in China and had a notable loan at Manchester United in 2020. For Nigeria, he was top scorer at AFCON 2019 and helped the team to third place.
4. Calvin Bassey – €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022)Bassey shone in 2021-22, aiding Rangers to reach the Europa League final with solid defense. His ability to play both centre-back and left-back made him very versatile. Ajax paid €23 million in 2022, making him Nigeria’s priciest defender. Despite initial challenges, Bassey found his footing and later moved to Fulham, continuing his development. He remains an important prospect for the Super Eagles.
3. Kelechi Iheanacho – €27.7 Million (Manchester City to Leicester City, 2017)Iheanacho was regarded as one of Nigeria's brightest talents during his time at Manchester City. After limited chances under Pep Guardiola, he transferred to Leicester City in 2017 for €27.7 million. His best season came in 2020-21 when he helped Leicester win the FA Cup, scoring key goals. He has consistently contributed for Nigeria in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
2. Alex Iwobi – €30.4 Million (Arsenal to Everton, 2019)Iwobi’s transfer to Everton in 2019 for €30.4 million surprised some but reflected Everton’s rebuild plans. A product of Arsenal’s academy and an FA Cup winner, Iwobi initially struggled at Everton but became a key player, often deployed in deeper roles. He later joined Fulham and is known for his skill and versatility. With over 60 caps and goals in AFCON 2019, he remains one of Nigeria’s most popular footballers.
1. Victor Osimhen – €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020)At the top stands Victor Osimhen by a huge margin. Napoli paid €77.5 million in 2020 to sign him from Lille, setting records as Nigeria’s and Africa’s most expensive transfer ever. Osimhen’s impact was immediate; he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over 30 years in 2022-23, finishing as the league’s top scorer. His leadership and relentless style have made him a hero in Naples. For Nigeria, he is the main striker, consistently threatening defenses and playing a key role in major tournament qualifications. His journey from Lagos streets to European stardom inspires many.