In this article, platinumtimes.ng explores the list of top Richest footballers in Nigeria.
Nigeria, known as the giant of Africa is not only endowed with natural resources but also with people of great talents. The world of sporty has enriched many Nigerians both locally and Internationally.
Football stands out as a game which is loved and cherished by everyone both young and old regardless of gender.
Footballers in Nigeria have not only excelled in sports but have also accumulated a substantial amount of wealth and firm for themselves.
These have been achieved through endorsements, signing of contracts and investments.
Below is a list of top 10 football Icons in Nigeria who have garnered enough wealth for themselves.
Top 10 Richest Footballers in Nigeria and their net worth
John Mikel Obi $45 million
Wilfred Ndidi $35 million
Odion Ighalo $30.7 million
Victor Moses $ 27 million
Obafemi Martins $25 million
Ahmed Musa $23 million
Kelechi Ihenacho $20 million
Yakubu Aiyegbeni $15 million
Emmanuel Emenike $12 million
Alex Nwobi $10 million
John Mikel Obi
John Mikel Obi, a Nigerian football legend, tops the list as the richest footballer in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of $ 45 million.
He was born on 22nd April, 1987 in Plateau, Jos, Nigeria and christened with the name John Michael Nchekwube Obinna.
He is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfield player for Stoke City.
He is the Nigerian national team’s most devoted and longest-serving captain.
Mikel began his football career with local club Plateau United, before joining Norwegian club Lyn in 2004 and then to the English club Chelsea for a number of years.
He then signed a deal with Shanghai Shenhua and has acquired lots of wealth for himself.
Wilfred Ndidi
Onyinye Wilfred Ndidi, born 16th December, 1996 is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a defensive midfielder for EFL Championship club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team. Ndidi is known for his defensive prowess.
He ranks 2nd among the richest footballers in Nigeria, with an estimated net worth of about $35 million. He is also involved in other businesses which contributes to his large wealth..
Odion Ighalo
Odion Jude Ighalo, born 16 June 1989 is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for Saudi Pro League club Al-Wehda and the Nigeria national team.
He ranks third on the list, is among the highest-paid Nigerian footballers, with a net worth of about $30.7 miillion.
He began his career at Nigerian clubs Prime and Julius Berger, before joining Norwegian club Lyn in 2007.
He was signed by Italian club Udinese and championship club, Watford and other international clubs. These deals have contributed to his wealth and firm.
Victor Moses
Victor Moses, born 12th December 1990, is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a winger on either flank for Russian club Spartak Moscow. He has also been deployed as a wing-back at times during his career.
He has had a successful career both at the Nigerian National Team and various clubs, notably Chelsea.
He ranks fourth on the list of Richest footballers in Nigeria with a net wealth of about $27 million.
Moses is also involved in businesses, capitalizing on his popularity and success in the football industry.
His entrepreneurial endeavors, along with his football earnings, have contributed to his significant wealth.
Obafemi Martins
Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins, born 28 October 1984 is a Nigerian former professional footballer who played as a forward. He is known for his speed on the ball.
He ranks fifth on the list, has established himself as one of Nigeria’s richest footballers, with a net worth estimated of about $25 million.
Martin’s has played for notable clubs such as Inter Milan, Newcastle United, and Wolfsburg and has acquired a significant wealth for himself. He also generates his income from his different businesses.
Ahmed Musa
Ahmed Musa was born on 14th October 1992. He is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward and left winger for Turkish Süper Lig club Sivasspor and the Nigeria national team.
He has a net worth estimate of $23 million making him the sixth richest footballer in Nigeria.
Musa began his career in the GBS Football Academy and then became the first Nigerian to score more than once in a FIFA World Cup match, after scoring twice against Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Musa is also the first Nigerian to score in two FIFA World Cup competitions, after scoring twice against Iceland in the group stage of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. With 108 appearances, he is Nigeria’s most capped player since November 2021.
Musa was a member of the Al Nassr squad that won the Saudi Premier League and Saudi Super Cup, both in 2019.
He owns a filling station and a multimillion-naira sports and fitness center in Kano, showcasing his entrepreneurial endeavors. Musa’s investments, coupled with his football success have placed him in the position of the richest footballers in Nigeria.
Kelechi Iheanacho
Kelechi Promise Iheanacho born 3rd October, 1996 is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL Championship club Leicester City and the Nigeria national team.
A prolific goalscorer with creative abilities, he is nicknamed Senior Man and is renowned for his vision, dribbling, speed and finishing.
He has a net worth estimate of $20 million making him the seventh richest footballer in Nigeria.
Alongside his football earnings, he has made investments in real estates and other businesses.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Yakubu Aiyegbeni, known as “The Yak,” has established himself as one of the best strikers during the Premier League era and one of the wealthiest Nigerian footballers today.
Throughout his career, Aiyegbeni played for notable clubs such as Portsmouth, Everton, and Middlesbrough, amassing a substantial fortune of about $15 million, making him the 8th richest footballer in Nigeria.
Besides his football achievements, he is involved in various business ventures, particularly in the real estate sector.
Emmanuel Emenike
Emmanuel Chinenye Emenike,born 10th May, 1987 is a Nigerian former footballer who played as a striker and winner of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nation’s(AFCON).
He had a notable career playing for several clubs across different leagues. Emenike’s professional journey included stints at Fenerbahce, Spartak Moscow, Cape Town, West Ham, and Olympiacos, among others.
Apart from football, he has also made significant investments in real estate, including the ownership of EE29 hotels and suites.
These ventures, along with his football earnings, have garnered him a substantial wealth of about $12 million making him the ninth richest footballer in Nigeria.
Alex Iwobi
Alexander Chuka Iwobi, born 3rd May, 1996 is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Fulham and the Nigeria national team.
Alex Iwobi ranks tenth richest footballer in Nigeria with a net worth of about $10 million.
His financial success extends beyond his football career, as he is involved in numerous endorsement deals in Nigeria and overseas. Additionally, Iwobi is set for a contract renewal with Everton, which is expected to further boost his net worth.
He is seen as one of Nigeria’s brightest football stars, Iwobi’s off-the-pitch endeavors contribute significantly to his overall wealth and status in the world of football.