Professional Football Leagues In Nigeria: Highest Paid Players And Their Salary Structure In 2025

Football is Nigeria’s most popular sport, and the professional football leagues in the country, particularly the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL), have seen tremendous growth in recent years. With increased sponsorship, better management, and international recognition, Nigerian football has begun offering competitive salaries to attract top talent. In 2025, several players in the NPFL are earning substantial wages, reflecting both their skill and the league’s rising financial standards.

This article explores the highest-paid players in Nigeria’s professional football leagues in 2025, their salary structures, net worth, and the impact they have on the league and Nigerian football as a whole.

Overview of Professional Football Leagues in Nigeria

Nigeria hosts several professional football leagues, but the NPFL remains the most prominent. Other leagues include the Nigeria National League (NNL) and lower-tier competitions. The NPFL currently features 20 clubs, with teams like Kano Pillars, Enyimba FC, Rivers United, and Heartland FC consistently producing top talent.

With the league's growth, clubs are offering better salaries and bonuses to retain top players and maintain competitiveness. The average NPFL player earns between ₦200,000 and ₦1.3 million per month, while top stars earn even more depending on experience, international exposure, and performance.

Top 10 Highest-Paid Players in Nigeria’s Professional Leagues (2025)

1. Sikiru Alimi – ₦1.3 Million/Month

• Club: Remo Stars

• Position: Forward

• Career Highlights: Alimi is known for his goal-scoring ability and consistency in the NPFL. He has been pivotal for Remo Stars and earned the highest salary in the league.

• Net Worth: Estimated at ₦90 million (~$585,000)

2. Rabiu Ali – ₦850,000/Month

• Club: Kano Pillars

• Position: Midfielder

• Career Highlights: A seasoned NPFL veteran, Ali has helped Kano Pillars secure multiple league titles. His leadership both on and off the field justifies his top-tier salary.

• Net Worth: Estimated at ₦70 million (~$455,000)

3. Nyima Nwagua – ₦750,000/Month

• Club: Formerly Enyimba, now Al-Wehda (Saudi Arabia)

• Position: Forward

• Career Highlights: Before moving abroad, Nwagua was a prolific striker for Enyimba, attracting international attention.

• Net Worth: Approximately ₦60 million (~$390,000)

4. Ahmed Musa – ₦700,000/Month

• Club: Kano Pillars

• Position: Forward

• Career Highlights: Returning from a stellar international career, Musa’s expertise and leadership make him invaluable to Kano Pillars.

• Net Worth: Approximately ₦120 million (~$780,000)

5. Kelly Kester – ₦750,000/Month

• Club: Bendel Insurance

• Position: Forward

• Career Highlights: Known for his agility and goal-scoring skills, Kester is one of Bendel Insurance’s key players.

• Net Worth: Around ₦55 million (~$357,000)

6. Chijioke Akuneto – ₦650,000/Month

• Club: Rivers United

• Position: Forward

• Career Highlights: Akuneto’s speed and finishing make him a vital component of Rivers United’s attack.

• Net Worth: Around ₦50 million (~$325,000)

7. Nduka Junior – ₦600,000/Month

• Club: Plateau United

• Position: Midfielder

• Career Highlights: Junior’s vision and passing accuracy have earned him recognition as one of the NPFL’s top midfielders.

• Net Worth: Approximately ₦45 million (~$293,000)

8. Chinonso Offor – ₦580,000/Month

• Club: Enyimba

• Position: Forward

• Career Highlights: Offor’s physicality and technical skills make him a consistent goal threat.

• Net Worth: Estimated ₦42 million (~$273,000)

9. Stephen Jude – ₦550,000/Month

• Club: Akwa United

• Position: Midfielder

• Career Highlights: Jude’s ability to control play and create chances has made him a standout in the NPFL.

• Net Worth: Approximately ₦40 million (~$260,000)

10. Emeka Obioma – ₦500,000/Month

• Club: Heartland FC

• Position: Forward

• Career Highlights: Obioma is a clinical finisher, contributing to Heartland FC’s success with consistent goal-scoring.

• Net Worth: Around ₦38 million (~$247,000)

NPFL Salary Structure in 2025

The NPFL salary structure is designed to reward both experience and performance. While the league is improving, many clubs still face challenges in consistent payment. The structure generally follows:

• Top-tier players: ₦600,000 – ₦1.3 million per month

• Mid-level players: ₦300,000 – ₦600,000 per month

• Junior or younger players: ₦100,000 – ₦300,000 per month

In addition to monthly salaries, top NPFL players often receive performance bonuses, goal bonuses, and match appearance fees, which can significantly increase annual earnings.

Comparison With Other African Leagues

While Nigerian football salaries are improving, NPFL players still earn less than their counterparts in leagues like the South African Premier Division, Egyptian Premier League, or Saudi Professional League. The average salary in these leagues often surpasses $50,000 per year, whereas NPFL top earners can earn up to $10,000–$12,000 monthlyincluding bonuses.

The good news is that foreign scouting and league sponsorship deals are gradually increasing player salaries, allowing more Nigerian players to stay in the domestic league rather than moving abroad.

Future Outlook

With increasing sponsorship and media attention, the NPFL is likely to see a more structured salary system and higher wages for players. Clubs are also beginning to invest in player welfare, insurance, and career development programs to attract and retain talent.

• Minimum salary discussions: The NPFL has plans to increase the minimum wage for players to improve competitiveness.

• International exposure: Nigerian clubs are seeking partnerships with European and Asian clubs, enhancing earning potential for players.

• Youth development: Top-paid NPFL players often mentor younger talents, ensuring sustained league growth.

Conclusion

The NPFL in 2025 features a growing group of highly paid, professional players who not only perform on the pitch but also contribute to the development of Nigerian football. Players like Sikiru Alimi, Rabiu Ali, and Ahmed Musa set benchmarks for excellence, showing that talent, discipline, and dedication can lead to both sporting and financial success.

The continued professionalization of the league promises better salaries, improved structures, and stronger competition, making the NPFL an exciting and lucrative platform for Nigerian footballers.