Over the years, some Nigerian footballers have commanded massive fees in the global transfer market, joining some of the biggest clubs across Europe. Here are the seven most expensive Nigerian transfers in football history, ranked by the reported fees.
These big-money moves highlight the quality of talent Nigeria produces and also show how valuable Super Eagles players have become on the world stage.
7. Taiwo Awoniyi - €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022)
Awoniyi had a long journey before finally shining in Europe. After joining Liverpool as a teenager in 2015, he never played a competitive game for the Reds due to work permit issues and was loaned out several times.
But things changed at Union Berlin, where Awoniyi impressed with his goals and strong presence up front. His performances caught the eye of Nottingham Forest, who had just returned to the Premier League in 2022. They paid €20.5 million, making him their most expensive signing at the time.
Awoniyi repaid their faith with crucial goals that helped Forest stay in the Premier League. He became a fan favourite and featured for the Super Eagles as well.
6. Terem Moffi - €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)
Moffi is one of Nigeria's most exciting strikers in recent years, known for his strength and sharp finishing. Moffi made his name in Ligue 1 with Lorient, scoring consistently and becoming one of the top scorers in France.
In 2023, OGC Nice paid €22.5 million to sign him permanently after a short loan spell. The move was one of the biggest in French football that year.
5. Odion Ighalo - €23.3 Million (Watford to Changchun Yatai, 2016)
Ighalo was one of the first Nigerian players to make a huge-money move to China during the Asian football boom. After a great run at Watford, where he scored freely in the Premier League, Chinese side Changchun Yatai came in with a massive offer.
In 2016, Ighalo joined them for €23.3 million, becoming one of the highest-paid African players at the time. He later played for Shanghai Shenhua, Al Shabab, and even had a brief but high-profile loan spell at Manchester United in 2020.
For the Super Eagles, Ighalo was top scorer at AFCON 2019, helping Nigeria finish third. He remains a respected name in Nigerian football history.
4. Calvin Bassey - €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022)
Bassey had a breakthrough year in 2021-22, helping Rangers reach the UEFA Europa League final with brilliant defensive displays. His versatility as a centre-back and left-back made him a valuable asset.
Ajax Amsterdam signed him in 2022 for €23 million, making him the most expensive Nigerian defender ever. Although he faced early struggles, Bassey eventually found his form and later moved to Fulham in the Premier League, where he continues to develop.
With the Super Eagles, Bassey has shown promise and remains part of the team's future plans.
3. Kelechi Iheanacho - €27.7 Million (Manchester City to Leicester City, 2017)
Iheanacho was one of Nigeria's brightest young talents when he broke through at Manchester City. After limited game time under Pep Guardiola, he moved to Leicester City in 2017 for €27.7 million.
At Leicester, Iheanacho had ups and downs but played a key role in the club's FA Cup victory in 2021, scoring vital goals in the run-up to the final. That season was his best yet, with a strong finish that made him the top scorer for the Foxes.
He has also delivered for the Super Eagles on many occasions, scoring in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.
2. Alex Iwobi - €30.4 Million (Arsenal to Everton, 2019)
Iwobi was a surprise big-money move in 2019, when Everton paid €30.4 million to sign him from Arsenal. Having come through the Gunners' academy and winning the FA Cup, Iwobi's move came as part of Everton's rebuild.
While his start at Everton was shaky, Iwobi grew into an important player, often playing in deeper roles under Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche. He later joined Fulham, where he became a regular first-team player.
Iwobi has over 60 caps for Nigeria and scored in AFCON 2019. His skill, versatility, and social media presence make him one of Nigeria's most followed players online.
1. Victor Osimhen - €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020)
At the top of the list-and by a long distance-is Victor Osimhen. In 2020, Italian giants Napoli paid €77.5 million to sign him from Lille, making it not just Nigeria's record transfer but also Africa's most expensive football transfer ever.
Osimhen delivered in grand style. In the 2022-23 season, he led Napoli to their first Serie A title in over 30 years, finishing as the league's top scorer. His goals, leadership, and fighting spirit made him a hero in Naples.
For Nigeria, Osimhen is the main man up front. He has helped the Super Eagles qualify for major tournaments and continues to be a threat to defenders. His story from the streets of Lagos to becoming one of the most feared strikers in Europe is truly inspiring.
*All fees are according to Transfermarkt
Comments