Super Eagles: The 7 Most Expensive Nigerian Footballers in History
Nigerian footballers have long commanded impressive transfer fees, joining some of Europe's biggest clubs. Below is a ranked list of the seven priciest Nigerian football transfers ever reported.
These major moves reflect the high caliber of talent Nigeria produces and the increasing value of Super Eagles players worldwide.
7. Taiwo Awoniyi – €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022)
Awoniyi’s path to success in Europe was slow. Signed by Liverpool as a teenager in 2015, he never appeared competitively for them due to work permit issues and spent time on various loans. His breakthrough came at Union Berlin, where his goals and physical presence caught attention. Nottingham Forest, newly promoted to the Premier League in 2022, paid €20.5 million, their club record then. Awoniyi rewarded that investment with important goals to help Forest survive in the top flight and also became a fan favorite and a regular for the Super Eagles.
6. Terem Moffi – €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)
Moffi stands out as one of Nigeria’s most promising strikers recently. Known for strength and clinical finishing, he made his mark in Ligue 1 with Lorient before OGC Nice signed him permanently for €22.5 million following a loan in 2023. This was among the largest transfers in French football that year.
5. Odion Ighalo – €23.3 Million (Watford to Changchun Yatai, 2016)
Ighalo was an early Nigerian to secure a big-money move to China during its football boom. After scoring frequently for Watford in the Premier League, Chinese side Changchun Yatai acquired him in 2016 for €23.3 million. He later played for Shanghai Shenhua, Al Shabab, and had a notable loan stint at Manchester United in 2020. For Nigeria, Ighalo was top scorer at AFCON 2019, helping the team to third place, cementing his respected status in Nigerian football.
4. Calvin Bassey – €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022)
Bassey rose to prominence in 2021-22 by aiding Rangers to the UEFA Europa League final with solid defense. His ability to play both center-back and left-back made him valuable. Ajax bought him for €23 million in 2022, making him Nigeria’s costliest defender. Though he faced challenges initially, Bassey found his footing and later moved to Fulham in the Premier League, continuing his development. With the Super Eagles, he remains a hopeful prospect.
3. Kelechi Iheanacho – €27.7 Million (Manchester City to Leicester City, 2017)
Iheanacho burst onto the scene at Manchester City but saw limited chances under Pep Guardiola. In 2017, Leicester City paid €27.7 million for him. At Leicester, he experienced highs and lows but was instrumental in their 2021 FA Cup win, scoring key goals. That season marked his best, finishing as Leicester's top scorer. Iheanacho has scored crucial goals for the Super Eagles 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 many. Developed at Arsenal and an FA Cup winner there, his move was part of Everton’s rebuilding efforts. Though his start was uneven, he grew into an important player, often playing deeper roles. Later at Fulham, he became a regular first-team player. Iwobi has over 60 caps for Nigeria, scored at AFCON 2019, and is one of Nigeria’s most popular players on social media.
1. Victor Osimhen – €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020)
At the summit is Victor Osimhen, whose transfer to Napoli from Lille in 2020 for €77.5 million set records not only for Nigeria but for Africa as a whole. Osimhen shined spectacularly, leading Napoli to their first Serie A title in more than 30 years during the 2022–23 season, finishing as the league’s top scorer. His goals, leadership, and tenacity made him a hero in Naples. For Nigeria, he remains the key striker, driving the Super Eagles in major competitions. His rise from Lagos streets to one of Europe’s deadliest forwards is inspiring.
- Transfer Fees Source: Transfermarkt
