Top 10 Richest Footballers in Nigeria
Nigeria has a rich history of producing talented footballers who have excelled on the field and amassed considerable wealth through their successful careers. In this article, we will look closer at the top 10 richest footballers in Nigeria, exploring their achievements on and off the pitch. Alex Iwobi: £8 million Arsenal academy graduate Alex Iwobi […]
Super Eagles striker, Alex Iwobi celebrates after scoring Nigeria’s opening goal against Sierra Leone in the first leg of the 2021 AFCON qualifier played last Friday in Benin City
Nigeria has a rich history of producing talented footballers who have excelled on the field and amassed considerable wealth through their successful careers.
In this article, we will look closer at the top 10 richest footballers in Nigeria, exploring their achievements on and off the pitch.
- Alex Iwobi: £8 million
Arsenal academy graduate Alex Iwobi has seamlessly transitioned between top-tier clubs, leaving an indelible mark at both Arsenal and Everton. He currently earns £100,000 weekly at Everton, and his past earning was £53,000 per week at Arsenal.
Beyond the captivating world of football, Iwobi’s financial prowess extends into diverse industries, including lucrative endorsements and real estate ventures.
Iwobi isn’t just known for his midfield skills. He has also partnered with a popular betting platform, 1xbet, providing fans with another way to connect with their favourite player. The widespread popularity of the Everton star has naturally attracted many bettors to register on 1xbet to be a part of the action.
- Rashidi Yekini: (Posthumous): £8 million
Although no longer with us, Rashidi Yekini’s legacy lives on as one of Nigeria’s greatest strikers. Yekini’s estate continues to earn revenue from his football accomplishments, ensuring he remains among the country’s wealthiest footballers.
- Kelechi Iheanacho: £9 million
Initially earning £10,000 while at Manchester City, Iheanacho experienced a significant pay increase to £50,000. Since his transfer to Leicester City, his weekly earnings have steadily increased to the current £90,000, amounting to an annual sum of £4,680,000.
In addition to his prosperous football career, Iheanacho increases his income through lucrative endorsements. Notably, he has been spotted in high-end luxury vehicles.
- Wilfred Ndidi: £12 million
Defying his father’s desire for an education, Wilfred Ndidi opted for a football career that has proven to be highly rewarding. Ndidi has become a crucial Leicester City player and is recognised for his formidable presence in the midfield.
The defensive midfielder currently receives a weekly salary of £76,000 at Leicester, accumulating an impressive £23 million in football salaries throughout his career. Beyond the football arena, Ndidi has diversified his portfolio by engaging in various business ventures and signing endorsement deals.
6.Emmanuel Emenike: £15 million
Emmanuel Emenike, a retired striker and the champion of the 2013 AFCON, enjoyed a distinguished club career. He showcased his talents with renowned teams like Fenerbahce, Spartak Moscow, and West Ham. Beyond his achievements in the field, Emenike has diversified his interests, securing endorsements, establishing a music record label, and owning a hotel in Nigeria. Also, he has a mansion in Imo State, which got attention when he built it in 2018.
- Odion Ighalo: £35 million
Renowned for his exceptional goal-scoring abilities, Odion Ighalo has showcased his talent playing for prestigious clubs such as Manchester United and Shanghai Shenhua.
Ighalo is among the highest-paid Nigerians, reportedly receiving a weekly salary of £135,000 from his association with the Saudi club Al-Hilal. His financial success is further evident in his collection of high-end vehicles, adding to the impressive array parked in his garage.
Beyond his substantial football earnings, Ighalo has demonstrated financial understanding by engaging in strategic investments in real estate and other business ventures.
- Ahmed Musa: £36 million
Ahmed Musa, the Super Eagles captain, has attained national and international acclaim in his football career. His financial success extends beyond football, encompassing lucrative endorsement deals with major Nigerian brands, particularly in the lucrative real estate sector.
While currently earning a modest weekly payment of £16,000 with Turkish side Sivasspor, Musa’s past lucrative contracts have significantly contributed to his ranking as one of the wealthiest footballers in Nigeria.
In addition to his football earnings, Musa has diversified his income streams through various business ventures. Reports indicate that he owns filling stations and a multimillion-naira sports and fitness centre in Hotoro, Kano, further solidifying his financial standing.
- Victor Moses: £38 million
After retiring from international football in 2018, Victor Moses gained prominence through his performances with notable clubs such as Chelsea and Inter Milan. Although predominantly associated with Chelsea throughout his career, the winger embarked on loan spells with Inter Milan, Fenerbahce, West Ham, Stoke City, and Liverpool.
During the peak of his tenure at Chelsea, Moses’ cumulative earnings from salaries throughout his career exceeded £28 million.
In addition to his football income, Moses has augmented his wealth through diverse business ventures and endorsement deals over the years. His net worth is estimated to range between £25 million and £40 million. This financial success is further solidified by Moses’ thriving business portfolio, which includes investments in real estate and establishing a successful clothing line.
- Obafemi Martins- £40 million
Renowned for his remarkable speed and goal-scoring abilities, Obafemi Martins has forged an impressive career, showcasing his talent with elite clubs across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Beyond the football pitch, Martins has diversified his investments, delving into real estate and car importation and establishing ownership of a nightclub in Lagos.
Notably, he cruises in a Porsche Gemballa, Mercedes Benz Mclaren, Lamborghini Gallardo and a Ferrari Lusso, among others, all worth more than ₦500 million.
- Mikel Obi- £45 million
At the forefront of the list is Mikel Obi, renowned as one of Nigeria’s most affluent footballers.
With a distinguished career, the former Chelsea midfielder boasts accomplishments such as securing victories in the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League with Chelsea.
Having retired from professional football, Mikel accrued a substantial portion of his wealth as he sojourned through different clubs, Tianjin Teda, Middlesbrough, and Shanghai Shenhua, among others.
He reportedly owns an interstate transport company headquartered in Jos, Plateau State. He is also said to own a record label, Mature Money Minds (MMM), that signed several artists at its launch in 2012. Mikel Obi has also made significant investments in real estate and owns businesses in Nigeria.
SUMMARY
Nigeria’s footballers have brought pride to the nation with their on-field exploits and translated their success into significant wealth. From smart investments to lucrative endorsement deals, these footballers have diversified their income streams, securing their financial futures and leaving a lasting legacy in Nigerian football.