Top 10 most expensive transfers of Nigerian footballers
Nigerian footballers have commanded outrageous transfer fees across Europe's biggest leagues from record-breaking deals in Italy to big-money moves in the Premier League, Nigeria continues to produce top talent that attracts hefty investment.
Here's a look at the most expensive Nigerian players in history
(1) Victor Osimhen ( Lille to Napoli) €78.9 million
Victor Osimhen’s transfer to Napoli in 2020 remains the most expensive deal which invloves a Nigerian player. Napoli paid a whopping €75 million plus add-ons, a move which was key in helping Napoli win their first Serie A title in over 30 years.
(2) Victor Osimhen ( Napoli to Galatasaray) €75 million
Osimhen also holds the second place in the highest transfer of any Nigerian player in history. Galatasaray broke the record in the Turkish-based league to sign him from the 2024/25 Serie A Champions, Napoli.
(3) Alex Iwobi ( Arsenal to Everton) €30.4 million
Everton paid an initial €30 million, with the potential to rise to €40 million with bonuses. Despite mixed performances, the deal showed just how highly rated the versatile attacker was at the time.
(4) Kelechi Iheanacho ( Manchester City to Leicester City) €27.7 million
Once touted as one of Manchester City’s brightest young talents, Iheanacho made a big move to Leicester in 2017. The Foxes saw huge potential in the striker, investing nearly €28 million in hopes he would flourish into a consistent Premier League goal-scorer.
(5) Alex Iwobi ( Everton to Fulham) €25.7 million
Fulham confirmed the signing of Alex Iwobi from Everton on the final day of the transfer window. He was signed to add quality, versatility, and Premier League experience to their midfield setup.
(6) Odion Ighalo ( Watford to Changchun Yatai) €23.3 million
The Nigerian was one of the first set players in the world to move to the Chinese league. Changchun Yatai paid £23.3 million to land the forward player from Watford.
(7) Nathan Tella ( Southampton to Bayer Leverkusen) €23.3 million
Tella completed a £20 million move from Southampton to Bayer Leverkusen, signing a five-year deal after a standout loan spell at Burnley where he scored 17 goals and helped them win the Championship. Leverkusen were attracted to the Nigerian due to his pace, versatility, and goal threat as the perfect fit for Xabi Alonso’s dynamic system.
(8))Calvin Bassey ( Rangers to Ajax) €23 million
Calvin Bassey joined Ajax from Rangers on a five‑year contract running until June 2027, with an €23 million upfront fee that could rise to €26.5 million including add‑ons. The deal set a new transfer record for Rangers, surpassing their previous high, and marked the second-largest signing in Ajax’s history at the time.
(9) Victor Boniface ( Union Saint-Gilloise to Bayer Leverkusen) €22.6 million
Victor Boniface moved from Belgian side Union Saint‑Gilloise to Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen, signing a five-year contract through summer 2028. The deal involved an initial €20 million fee, potentially rising to €27.5 million with add-ons, making it Union SG’s record sale and including a 15% sell-on clause for Bodø/Glimt
(10) Terem Moffi ( Lorient to Nice) €22.5 million
Terem Moffi left Lorient for OGC Nice on a short-term loan with a mandatory clause to buy at season’s end. The initial loan fee was around €2.5 million, followed by a permanent transfer reported at €22.5 million plus €5 million in bonuses, bringing the total to approximately €30 million, making him Nice’s record signing at the time.
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