Kenya Sport

Super Eagles: The 7 Most Expensive Nigerian Football Transfers Ever

Nigerian footballers have made significant marks in the global transfer market, joining some of Europe's top clubs with hefty price tags. Here we highlight the seven priciest transfers involving Nigerian players, ranked by their reported fees.

These big transfers show the value and talent Nigeria has produced for international football.

7. Taiwo Awoniyi – €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022)

Awoniyi’s journey in Europe was long and challenging. After signing for Liverpool in 2015, work permit issues kept him from playing competitively for the Reds, leading to several loan spells.

His breakthrough came at Union Berlin, where his goal-scoring and physical presence drew attention. Nottingham Forest, newly promoted to the Premier League in 2022, invested €20.5 million to secure him, making him their record signing then.

He rewarded Forest with key goals that helped them avoid relegation, becoming a fan favorite and representing the Super Eagles internationally.

6. Terem Moffi – €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)

Moffi has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most exciting forwards, known for power and clinical finishing. He impressed in Ligue 1 with Lorient, consistently scoring and ranking among France's top scorers.

OGC Nice paid €22.5 million to sign him permanently in 2023 after a loan period, marking one of the biggest moves in French football that year.

5. Odion Ighalo – €23.3 Million (Watford to Changchun Yatai, 2016)

Ighalo was among the first Nigerians to make a lucrative move to China during the Asian football rise. After prolific scoring at Watford in the Premier League, Chinese club Changchun Yatai offered €23.3 million in 2016, one of the largest African player transfers at the time.

He later played for Shanghai Shenhua, Al Shabab, and briefly on loan at Manchester United in 2020.

For Nigeria, Ighalo was the top scorer at AFCON 2019, helping the team secure third place, and remains a respected figure in Nigerian football.

4. Calvin Bassey – €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022)

Bassey’s standout season in 2021-22 saw him help Rangers reach the UEFA Europa League final with strong defensive performances. His ability to play both centre-back and left-back increased his value.

Ajax signed him in 2022 for €23 million, making him Nigeria's most expensive defender ever. Though he initially struggled, Bassey found form and moved on to Fulham in the Premier League, continuing his growth.

He remains part of the Super Eagles’ plans moving forward.

3. Kelechi Iheanacho – €27.7 Million (Manchester City to Leicester City, 2017)

Iheanacho was one of Nigeria’s brightest young talents breaking into Manchester City's squad. Limited opportunities under Pep Guardiola led to a €27.7 million transfer to Leicester City in 2017.

He experienced ups and downs but played a pivotal role in Leicester’s 2021 FA Cup win, scoring crucial goals during the campaign. That season marked his best performance, finishing as Leicester’s top scorer.

He has also contributed important goals for the Super Eagles in AFCON and World Cup qualifiers.

2. Alex Iwobi – €30.4 Million (Arsenal to Everton, 2019)

Iwobi’s transfer to Everton in 2019 for €30.4 million surprised some, coming after his rise through Arsenal’s academy and FA Cup victory.

Despite a slow start at Everton, he developed into an important player, adapting to deeper midfield roles under managers Frank Lampard and Sean Dyche. Later, he joined Fulham as a regular starter.

With over 60 caps for Nigeria and a goal at AFCON 2019, Iwobi is known for his skill, versatility, and strong online presence.

1. Victor Osimhen – €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020)

Victor Osimhen tops this list by a wide margin. Napoli acquired him from Lille in 2020 for €77.5 million, setting not only a Nigerian record but also becoming Africa’s most expensive football transfer.

Osimhen thrived at Napoli, leading them to their first Serie A title in over three decades during the 2022–23 season and finishing as the league’s top scorer. His leadership and goals made him a hero in Naples.

For Nigeria, he is the main striker, vital in qualifying for major tournaments and posing a constant threat to defenders. His rise from Lagos streets to European star is inspiring.

All transfer fees are according to Transfermarkt.

Summary of Transfer Fees

  • Taiwo Awoniyi: €20.5 Million (Union Berlin to Nottingham Forest, 2022)
  • Terem Moffi: €22.5 Million (Lorient to Nice, 2023)
  • Odion Ighalo: €23.3 Million (Watford to Changchun Yatai, 2016)
  • Calvin Bassey: €23 Million (Rangers to Ajax, 2022)
  • Kelechi Iheanacho: €27.7 Million (Manchester City to Leicester City, 2017)
  • Alex Iwobi: €30.4 Million (Arsenal to Everton, 2019)
  • Victor Osimhen: €78.9 Million (Lille to Napoli, 2020)

Related Articles