No Space for African best as Al Nassr-bound Victor Boniface DETHRONES Osimhen to become Highest-paid Nigerian footballer
i

Al Nassr-bound Victor Boniface DETHRONES Osimhen to become Highest-paid Nigerian footballer || Illustration by Pulse Sports NG, Credits: Imago, Instagram

No Space for African best as Al Nassr-bound Victor Boniface DETHRONES Osimhen to become Highest-paid Nigerian footballer

David Ben 00:26 - 29.01.2025

Victor Boniface's imminent transfer to Al Nassr has seen him become the highest-paid Super Eagles player of 2025.

In the ever-evolving landscape of football, fortunes on and off the pitch are subject to constant shifts, and 2025 has witnessed a significant paradigm change in the realm of Nigerian football earnings.

Victor Boniface is on the verge of being announced as new Al Nassr player, as reports suggest he has already concluded his medical to join the Saudi Pro League club from Bayer Leverkusen.

Details of his expected salary according to Sky Sports Germany have come to light as the 24-year-old Nigeria international has risen to become the highest-paid Super Eagles player this year, earning more than seven times his salary at Bayer Leverkusen.

In this article, Pulse Sports will reveal the Top 10 highest-paid Super Eagles footballers in 2025 by NET figures alone.

Revealed: Top 10 Highest-paid Nigerian footballers of 2024

1. Victor Boniface, Al Nassr – $15.6 million

Boniface highest-paid Nigerian footballer
Victor Boniface is set to become the highest-paid Super Eagles player || Imago Boniface picks favourite winner for CAF award || Imago

Victor Boniface has cemented his place in Nigerian football history, becoming the highest-paid Nigerian footballer following the revelation of his staggering $15.6 million per season contract with Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr.

This financial milestone eclipses the earnings of other Nigerian stars and highlights Boniface’s meteoric rise in the footballing world.

At just 24 years old, the former Bayer Leverkusen forward has demonstrated an exceptional ability to deliver under pressure, amassing a reputation as a prolific scorer and dynamic playmaker.

Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface is set to complete a mega-money transfer from Bayer Leverkusen to Al Nassr || Imago

His performances in the Bundesliga and the Europa League have not gone unnoticed, with Al-Nassr identifying him as a key piece in their ambitious quest for dominance in the Saudi Pro League and beyond.

Boniface’s contract, which translates to approximately $326,000 per week, underscores the growing financial power of the Saudi Pro League.

In recent years, Saudi clubs have lured top-tier talent with lucrative deals, and Boniface is now among the league’s elite earners.

For a player who began his professional journey in Norway’s modest Eliteserien league, this transfer marks a significant leap, both in terms of prestige and remuneration.

This deal also reflects Boniface’s marketability and strategic career decisions.

By joining Al-Nassr, he aligns himself with global icons like Cristiano Ronaldo, enhancing his visibility and influence.

Victor Boniface’s Al Nassr 2025 salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Victor Boniface highest paid
Victor Boniface's Al Nassr contract | Credit: Pulse Sports Nigeria

Per Week: $325,912 

Per Month: $1,303,650

Per Year:  $15,643,800

 N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes.

2. Victor Osimhen, Galatasaray – $10.4 million

Galatasaray ace Victor Osimhen || Image credit: Imago
Galatasaray ace Victor Osimhen || Image credit: Imago Galatasaray ace Victor Osimhen || Image credit: Imago

In 2023, Victor Osimhen ascended to the throne of the highest-paid Nigerian footballer.

 The 26-year-old striker etched his name into the annals of football history by inking a groundbreaking deal with the 2023 Scudetto champions, Napoli.

However, a deadline day loan switch to Turkish giants Galatasaray saw his earnings drop significantly in the summer of 2024.

Osimhen's last contract at Napoli catapulted him to the summit of Napoli's payroll and even positioned him as the second highest-paid player in the esteemed Serie A. 

However, the prolific goal machine currently earns way less in Turkey than he used to earn in Italy following his loan move.

Victor Osimhen’s Galatasaray 2025 salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Victor Osimhen signed for Galatasaray on loan from Napoli || Imago

Per Week: $201,608

Per Month: $806,432

Per Year:  $10,485,694

N.B: The figures above does not include on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes.

3. Samuel Chukwueze, AC Milan –  $6.

3. Samuel Chukwueze, AC Milan — $5.4 million

Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan (Credit: Instagram)

Nigerian football sensation Samuel Chimerenka Chukwueze made a dazzling move from Villarreal CF to AC Milan last summer, signing a five-year deal in a high-profile transfer valued at €20 million, with an additional €8 million in add-ons.

Samuel Chukwueze's 2025 AC Milan Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Highest paid Super Eagles players 2024
Samuel Chukwueze on the move against Cagliari. (Photo Credit: Imago)

Per Week: $105,179

Per Month: $420,716

Per Year: $5,469,321

N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes, using current naira exchange rates)

As of 2025, Chukwueze stands among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers globally, earning a weekly paycheck exceeding $105,000.

Chukwueze’s move to Italy this year marked a significant leap in his career, reflecting both his footballing prowess and heightened financial standing, signaling a new chapter in his journey from local roots to international stardom.

Off the field, the Umuahia native has no endorsement deals yet, as he continues to work on building his marketability, with the 25-year-old's transfer value currently estimated at €20 million as per Transfermrkt.

4. Alex Iwobi, Fulham – $5.1 million

Alex Iwobi is one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2025| Credit: Instagram/Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi’s 2025 Fulham Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Per Week: $99,107 

Per Month: $396,428 

Per Year:  $5,153,589

 N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes.

Alexander Chuka Iwobi is a 28-year-old Nigerian midfielder for Fulham F.C.

Iwobi stands out as one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2025, thanks to his wages in the Premier League.

Starting his career at Arsenal, he made 149 appearances, scoring 15 goals, and contributed to their FA Cup win in 2017 and the UEFA Europa League Final in 2019. 

In August 2019, Iwobi made a significant move to Everton for an initial fee of £28 million, before completing a deadline day switch to Fulham FC in the summer of 2023.

A key player for both Fulham and the Super Eagles, he also holds the distinction of being the cousin of Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha. 

Iwobi's journey is not just a tale of personal triumphs but also a story intertwined with family legacy and national pride.

5. Kelechi Iheanacho, Sevilla – $5 million

Kelechi Iheanacho of Sevilla | IMAGO

Kelechi Iheanacho's 2025 Sevilla Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Per Week: $96,791

Per Month: $387,164

Per Year: $5,033,133

N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions

Kelechi Promise Iheanacho is a 28-year-old Nigerian forward who currently plays for Sevilla FC in LaLiga EA SPORTS.

 Starting his senior career at Manchester City during the 2015–16 season, he made a significant move to Leicester City in 2017 for a reported £25 million fee. 

Iheanacho has been a key player in international competitions, contributing to Nigeria's victories in the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup. 

Since making his senior debut in 2015, he has participated in major tournaments, including the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

 As of 2025, Iheanacho stands as one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.

6. Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City – $4.8 million

Highest paid Super Eagles players 2024
Ndidi has looked different for Leicester City this season| Image Credit: IMAGO

At 28, Wilfred Ndidi is a standout Nigerian footballer, excelling as a defensive midfielder for Leicester City in the EFL Championship and the national team.

Renowned for his defensive prowess and strategic positioning, Ndidi is among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2023.

Wilfred Ndidi's 2025 Leicester Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Highest paid Nigerian footballers 2024
Leicester star Ndidi || Imago

Per Week: $93,611

Per Month: $374,444

Per Year: $4,867,795

N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes

Despite his struggles with injury, the Super Eagles star has been phenomenal for the Foxes so far in the 2024-25 campaign, having helped stage their return back to the Premier League last season.

Joining the Super Eagles in October 2015, Ndidi made a memorable debut against DR Congo and solidified his role in a subsequent 3–0 victory against Cameroon.

 Since then, he has become a linchpin in the national team, showcasing his commitment and talent on the field.

 Ndidi's story exemplifies the intersection of skill, dedication, and financial success in professional football, inspiring both aspiring players and fans alike.

7. Joe Aribo, Southampton – $4.6 million

Joe Aribo highest paid Super Eagles players
Joe Aribo of Southampton | Credit: IMAGO

On-Field Earnings: $4.5 million

Off-Field Earnings: $0.05 million

Joe Aribo's 2025 Southampton Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Per Week: $87,370

Per Month: $349,480

Per Year: $4,543,242

N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes.

Joseph Oluwaseyi Temitope Ayodele-Aribo is a 28-year-old midfielder for EFL Championship's Southampton.

As of 2025, Aribo is among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.

Starting his career with Staines Town, Aribo spent four impactful years with Charlton Athletic in the English Football League before a notable move to Rangers in 2019.

 His time with Rangers marked triumphs in the Scottish Premiership in 2021 and the Scottish Cup in 2022.

Born and raised in London, Aribo made his Nigeria national team debut in 2019, and was a key player in their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad. 

Despite his contributions, his 2022 move to Southampton saw the team's unfortunate relegation to the Championship in his debut season.

8. Taiwo Awoniyi, Nottingham Forest –  $3.2 million

Taiwo Awoniyi highest paid
Taiwo Awoniyi is one of the highest-paid Super Eagles players in 2025 | Credit: IMAGO

Taiwo Micheal Awoniyi is a 27-year-old Nigerian striker who plays for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.

Awoniyi  has had a remarkable journey in professional football. 

Starting as the Most Valuable Player in a Coca-Cola competition in London, he caught the eye of Seyi Olofinjana, a former Super Eagles star, leading him to the Imperial Soccer Academy.

Awoniyi has played for clubs like Liverpool, Frankfurt, Gent, Mainz 05, and Union Berlin.

 In 2022, he made a significant move to Nottingham Forest for a reported club record of £17 million, solidifying his position among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers. 

Taiwo Awoniyi's 2025 Nottingham Forest Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Awoniyi highest paid Super Eagles
Taiwo Awoniyi || Imago

Per Week: $62,407

Per Month: $249,628

Per Year: $3,245,173

N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes

9. Calvin Bassey, Fulham – $2.9 million

Calvin Bassey, Fulham defender || Imago

Calvin Bassey's versatility on the field, adept at both defending and attacking, makes him a prized asset in any team.

The 25-year-old signed for Fulham from Ajax last summer and after a string of consistent performances for the Dutch side.

With plenty room for potential for growth Bassey has been tipped to earn more lucrative contracts in the future, and has also established himself as one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2024.

Calvin Bassey's 2025 Fulham Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Calvin Bassey highest paid Super Eagles players 2024
Calvin Bassey (Photo Credit: Bassey/X)

Per Week: $56,166

Per Month: $224,664

Per Year: $2,920,655 

N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes.

10. Ola Aina, Nottingham Forest – $2.5 million

Ola Aina in action || Imago

Ola Aina's 2025 Nottingham Forest Salary breakdown (Guaranteed bonuses excluded)

Per Week: $49,926

Per Month: $199,704

Per Year: $2.596,138

N.B: The figures above exclude on-field bonuses from international and club-level competitions before taxes.

Ola Aina, who currently plays for Nottingham Forest, has earned his place among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers due to his impressive career trajectory and strong marketability.

Aina’s journey from the youth ranks at Chelsea to establishing himself as a versatile defender in both the Premier League and Serie A has significantly contributed to his value.

The 28-year-old's time at Torino in Italy, where he flourished as a reliable full-back, earned him a reputation for consistency and skill.

This success paved the way for his move to Nottingham Forest, where he has continued to showcase his abilities on the biggest stage in football.

Aina’s contract at Nottingham Forest is believed to be highly lucrative, reflecting both his talent and the demand for quality defenders in the competitive Premier League.

His versatility, being able to play on both the right and left side of defence, has made him a sought-after asset.

With top-tier clubs in Italy and England keen on his services, his wages have been elevated to reflect his standing as an experienced international player.

METHODOLOGY

The Pulse Sports ranking of Nigeria’s highest-paid men’s footballers reflects the combined total of on-field earnings for the 2024-25 season, including base salaries.

 The figures were obtained from publicly accessible databases such as Capology.com.

All figures used in this article are converted to U.S. dollars using the current exchange rate.

Tags: