In the ever-evolving landscape of football, fortunes on and off the pitch are subject to constant shifts, and 2024 has witnessed a significant paradigm change in the realm of Nigerian football earnings. In today’s article we are going to be looking at the top 10 highest paid footballers in Nigeria in 2024 and how much they earn weekly.
10. Ola Aina – $2.6 million
- On-Field Earnings: $2.6 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $0.01 million
Biography:
Ola Aina, born on October 8, 1996, in London, England, is a versatile right-back who can also play as a left-back or wing-back. He began his professional career at Chelsea, where he made several appearances before moving on loan to Hull City. Aina later transferred to Torino in Serie A, where he gained significant experience and recognition. In July 2023, after his contract with Torino expired, he joined Nottingham Forest on a one-year contract. His strong performances earned him a contract extension in 2024. Aina is known for his pace, stamina, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively, making him a key player for both Nottingham Forest and the Nigerian national team.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $49,554 (₦73,835,460)
- Per Month: $198,216 (₦295,341,840)
- Per Year: $2,576,795 (₦3,839,424,550)
9. Calvin Bassey – $2.8 million
- On-Field Earnings: $2.8 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $0.01 million
Biography:
Calvin Bassey, born on December 31, 1999, in Aosta, Italy, is a promising defender who can play as both a center-back and left-back. He grew up in England and developed his skills at Leicester City’s youth academy. In 2020, he signed with Rangers in Scotland, where he became a standout performer, helping the club win the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup. His impressive performances earned him a move to Ajax in 2022. However, after one season, he joined Fulham in 2023. Bassey’s versatility, physicality, and technical ability have established him as one of Nigeria’s most exciting defensive talents.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $55,748 (₦83,064,520)
- Per Month: $222,992 (₦332,258,080)
- Per Year: $2,898,894 (₦4,319,352,060)
8. Paul Onuachu – $3.1 million
- On-Field Earnings: $3.1 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $0.07 million
Biography:
Paul Onuachu, born on May 28, 1994, in Owerri, Nigeria, is a towering striker known for his aerial prowess and finishing ability. He started his European journey with Danish side FC Midtjylland, where he developed into a top goal-scorer. In 2019, Onuachu moved to Genk in Belgium, where he became the league’s top scorer and won multiple individual awards. His outstanding form earned him a transfer to Southampton in 2023. After limited opportunities, he moved to Trabzonspor on loan in 2024, where he continued to impress. At 6’7”, Onuachu’s height and physicality make him a nightmare for defenders.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $59,458 (₦88,592,420)
- Per Month: $237,832 (₦354,369,680)
- Per Year: $3,091,819 (₦4,606,810,310)
7. Taiwo Awoniyi – $3.2 million
- On-Field Earnings: $3.2 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $0.1 million
Biography:
Taiwo Awoniyi, born on August 12, 1997, in Ilorin, Nigeria, is a striker who has had a meteoric rise in European football. After winning the MVP award at a Coca-Cola-sponsored football competition, Awoniyi joined the Imperial Soccer Academy. His early potential was recognized by Liverpool, but he spent most of his time on loan at various clubs, including Mainz and Union Berlin. In 2022, Nottingham Forest signed him for a then-club record fee. Awoniyi’s strength, work rate, and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the most reliable Nigerian forwards in Europe.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $61,942 (₦92,293,580)
- Per Month: $247,768 (₦369,174,320)
- Per Year: $3,220,993 (₦4,799,279,570)
6. Joe Aribo – $4.6 million
- On-Field Earnings: $4.5 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $0.05 million
Biography:
Joe Aribo, born on July 21, 1996, in London, England, is a dynamic midfielder who has been making waves since his early days with Charlton Athletic. Aribo’s breakthrough came at Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership in 2021. His performances attracted interest from Southampton, who signed him in 2022. Although Southampton were relegated in 2023, Aribo remains a key player for the club and continues to shine for the Nigerian national team. Known for his versatility, energy, and technical skills, Aribo is one of the highest-earning Nigerian footballers in 2024.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $86,719 (₦129,211,310)
- Per Month: $346,876 (₦516,845,240)
- Per Year: $4,509,391 (₦6,718,992,590)
5. Wilfred Ndidi – $5.8 million
- On-Field Earnings: $4.8 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $1 million
Biography:
Wilfred Ndidi, born on December 16, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, is widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. Ndidi joined Leicester City from Genk in 2017 and has been instrumental in the club’s success, including their FA Cup win in 2021. Renowned for his tackling ability, work rate, and interceptions, Ndidi has become a vital player for both Leicester and the Nigerian national team. Despite struggling with injuries in recent seasons, Ndidi’s talent and dedication keep him among Nigeria’s highest-paid players.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $92,913 (₦138,440,370)
- Per Month: $371,652 (₦553,761,480)
- Per Year: $4,831,490 (₦7,198,920,100)
4. Kelechi Iheanacho – $6.2 million
- On-Field Earnings: $5.2 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $1 million
Biography:
Kelechi Iheanacho, born on October 3, 1996, in Owerri, Nigeria, burst onto the scene after winning the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup with Nigeria. His career took off at Manchester City, where he scored important goals before transferring to Leicester City in 2017. Iheanacho is known for his finishing ability and has a knack for scoring in crucial moments, earning him the nickname “Senior Man.” He has represented Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the Africa Cup of Nations. His consistency at Leicester has made him one of the top earners among Nigerian footballers.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $99,107 (₦147,669,430)
- Per Month: $396,428 (₦590,677,720)
- Per Year: $5,153,589 (₦7,678,847,610)
3. Samuel Chukwueze – $6.4 million
- On-Field Earnings: $5.4 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $0.8 million
Biography:
Samuel Chukwueze, born on May 22, 1999, in Umuahia, Nigeria, is one of the most exciting wingers in African football. Chukwueze made his breakthrough at Villarreal, where he helped the club win the UEFA Europa League in 2021. In 2023, he signed a lucrative contract with AC Milan, marking a new chapter in his career. Known for his pace, dribbling skills, and flair, Chukwueze has become a household name in Nigerian football. Despite his young age, he has already made a significant impact both for his club and the Super Eagles.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $105,179 (₦156,716,710)
- Per Month: $420,716 (₦626,866,840)
- Per Year: $5,469,321 (₦8,149,288,290)
2. Alex Iwobi – $7.1 million
- On-Field Earnings: $5.1 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $2 million
Biography:
Alex Iwobi, born on May 3, 1996, in Lagos, Nigeria, is one of Nigeria’s most versatile footballers. Iwobi came through Arsenal’s youth academy and played for their senior team before transferring to Everton in 2019 for a club-record fee. In 2023, Iwobi moved to Fulham, where he quickly established himself as a key player. He has also been a regular for the Nigerian national team since 2015, playing an important role in their attack. Known for his creativity, dribbling, and passing, Iwobi’s footballing prowess and commercial appeal make him one of Nigeria’s top earners.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $99,107 (₦147,669,430)
- Per Month: $396,428 (₦590,677,720)
- Per Year: $5,153,589 (₦7,678,847,610)
1. Victor Osimhen – $17 million
- On-Field Earnings: $16 million
- Off-Field Earnings: $1 million
Biography:
Victor Osimhen, born on December 29, 1998, in Lagos, Nigeria, has rapidly risen to become one of the best strikers in world football. After making a name for himself at Lille in France, Osimhen signed with Napoli in 2020 for a then-record African transfer fee. Osimhen has since broken numerous records and was the top scorer in Serie A in 2023. His speed, strength, and goal-scoring ability make him a sought-after talent in European football. In 2023, Osimhen signed a new contract with Napoli, making him not only the highest-paid Nigerian footballer but also one of the highest-paid players in Serie A.
Salary Breakdown:
- Per Week: $315,333 (₦469,846,170)
- Per Month: $1,261,333 (₦1,879,384,680)
- Per Year: $16,000,000 (₦23,992,846,760)
Austine Ikeru is a Professional Content Creator
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