Top 10 Richest Nigerian Footballers In (2025): Net Worth, Biography & Career Highlights

Nigeria has produced some of Africa’s most talented footballers, many of whom have achieved international fame while amassing significant fortunes. By 2025, these athletes have not only excelled on the pitch but have also invested wisely off it, creating wealth that goes beyond football salaries. This article explores the top 10 richest Nigerian footballers in 2025, highlighting their net worth, career achievements, personal life, and sources of income.

1. John Mikel Obi – €50 Million

• Age: 37

• Position: Midfielder

• Clubs Played For: Chelsea, Tianjin TEDA, Stoke City, Trabzonspor

• Current Status: Retired

Career Highlights:
Mikel Obi is regarded as one of Nigeria’s greatest midfielders. He enjoyed an illustrious career with Chelsea, winning the UEFA Champions League, multiple Premier League titles, and domestic cups. Known for his composure, vision, and passing ability, Mikel was a central figure for both club and country.

Sources of Wealth:
Though retired in 2022, Mikel Obi’s fortune comes from investments in real estate, endorsements, and luxury assets. With a net worth of approximately €50 million, he remains Nigeria’s richest footballer. His financial prudence off the field has ensured long-term stability and influence in football circles.

2. Odion Ighalo – €38 Million

• Age: 35

• Position: Striker

• Current Club: Al-Wehda (Saudi Pro League)

Career Highlights:
Odion Ighalo made his mark in the Premier League with Watford and Manchester United and later played in the Chinese Super League. He was Nigeria’s top scorer at the AFCON 2019 qualifiers and a reliable striker for the Super Eagles.

Sources of Wealth:
Ighalo’s wealth comes from lucrative contracts in China and Saudi Arabia, endorsement deals, and investments in Nigeria. In 2025, he is valued at around €38 million, making him one of Nigeria’s wealthiest footballers. His careful financial management has secured his post-playing career.

3. Kelechi Iheanacho – €35 Million

• Age: 29

• Position: Forward

• Current Club: Sevilla (La Liga)

Career Highlights:
Iheanacho started his professional career at Manchester City, later moving to Leicester City, where he became a fan favorite. Known for his precision, agility, and finishing skills, he has represented Nigeria at multiple AFCON tournaments.

Sources of Wealth:
Iheanacho earns a substantial salary in Spain and supplements it with endorsement deals and sponsorships. His net worth in 2025 is approximately €35 million, reflecting both his on-field success and off-field ventures.

4. Alex Iwobi – €31 Million

• Age: 27

• Position: Midfielder

• Current Club: Fulham (Premier League)

Career Highlights:
Alex Iwobi, nephew of former Nigerian legend Jay-Jay Okocha, has made significant strides in European football. He began at Arsenal, later moving to Everton and Fulham. He is celebrated for his versatility, work rate, and ability to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Sources of Wealth:
Iwobi earns a weekly wage of around £83,000, alongside endorsements. His strategic investments and business ventures in Nigeria bring his net worth to about €31 million.

5. Wilfred Ndidi – €30 Million

• Age: 28

• Position: Midfielder

• Current Club: Leicester City (Championship)

Career Highlights:
Ndidi is known for his tireless defensive work, breaking up plays, and distributing the ball efficiently. A mainstay in Leicester City’s midfield, he has been crucial in Nigeria’s national team setup.

Sources of Wealth:
Ndidi’s wealth comes from his salary at Leicester City, endorsement deals, and real estate investments, totaling approximately €30 million. His focus on financial planning has helped secure a strong post-football future.

6. Victor Moses – €26.2 Million

• Age: 34

• Position: Winger

• Current Club: Olympiakos (Greece)

Career Highlights:
Moses had a decorated career at Chelsea, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League. Known for his versatility, he can play both as a winger and wing-back.

Sources of Wealth:
His fortune stems from high-paying contracts in China and Europe, along with endorsement deals. Victor Moses is valued at €26.2 million, making him one of Nigeria’s top-earning footballers.

7. Emmanuel Emenike – €15 Million

• Age: 35

• Position: Striker

• Current Status: Retired

Career Highlights:
Emenike played for multiple clubs across Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Spain, and Greece. He was part of Nigeria’s victorious 2013 AFCON squad and known for his clinical finishing.

Sources of Wealth:
Emenike invests heavily in real estate, hotels, and hospitals, including a 40-bed hospital in Owerri. His net worth of €15 million is a result of both football earnings and entrepreneurial ventures.

8. Ahmed Musa – €23 Million

• Age: 31

• Position: Forward

• Current Status: Free agent

Career Highlights:
Musa’s career highlights include Premier League experience with Leicester City and successful stints in Russia and Saudi Arabia. He also captained Nigeria and represented the country in multiple World Cups.

Sources of Wealth:
Musa invests in sports centers and fuel stations in Nigeria. His net worth of €23 million comes from salaries, endorsements, and his growing business empire.

9. Victor Osimhen – €6.8 Million

• Age: 26

• Position: Striker

• Current Club: Galatasaray (Turkey)

Career Highlights:
Osimhen is one of Africa’s most exciting young forwards. He has been Serie A’s top scorer and a crucial player for the Super Eagles.

Sources of Wealth:
His salary at Galatasaray is €125,000 per week, supplemented by endorsements and brand partnerships. In 2025, his net worth stands at €6.8 million, and he continues to be a rising star on and off the pitch.

10. Henry Onyekuru – €6.5 Million

• Age: 25

• Position: Winger

• Current Club: Galatasaray (Turkey)

Career Highlights:
Onyekuru made a name for himself in Belgium before moving to Europe’s top leagues. Known for his speed, dribbling, and goal-scoring prowess, he has represented Nigeria in international competitions.

Sources of Wealth:
Onyekuru earns from his salary in Turkey and brand endorsements. His net worth of €6.5 million reflects both his football achievements and business investments.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s footballers continue to make waves globally, earning impressive salaries while investing wisely. From seasoned veterans like John Mikel Obi to rising stars like Victor Osimhen, these athletes combine talent, hard work, and smart financial planning to create lasting wealth.

In 2025, the top 10 richest Nigerian footballers collectively represent not just athletic excellence but also entrepreneurship, philanthropy, and inspiration for young athletes across Africa.