Overview of Soccer Salaries in Nigeria (2025 Details)

Overview of Soccer Salaries in Nigeria

Professional soccer players in Nigeria, particularly in the NPFL, earn significantly less than their counterparts in European or Middle Eastern leagues, but salaries have improved in recent years due to better league management and sponsorships. The average monthly salary for a professional athlete in Nigeria, including footballers, is approximately ₦240,000, with a range from ₦123,000 (lowest average) to ₦363,000 (highest average), according to SalaryExplorer. However, top NPFL players and those playing abroad command much higher earnings. Below is a detailed breakdown of salaries in the Nigerian soccer ecosystem.

Salary Breakdown in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL)

The NPFL is Nigeria’s top professional football league, featuring clubs like Enyimba, Kano Pillars, and Rivers United. Salaries vary widely based on player experience, club financial capacity, and contract terms. Below are specific examples of NPFL player salaries based on 2023 data from Sportsbrief, adjusted for context in 2025:

• Theophilus Afelokhai (Rivers United, Goalkeeper):
  • Monthly Salary: ₦1,200,000
  • Details: As of 2023, Afelokhai was the highest-paid NPFL player, earning ₦1.2 million monthly. His salary reflects his experience and status as a key player for Rivers United and the Nigeria national team.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Godwin Obaje (Abia Warriors, Forward):
  • Monthly Salary: ₦1,000,000
  • Details: A sought-after striker, Obaje earned ₦1 million monthly before moving to overseas clubs like Kairouan and Trenčín. His NPFL salary highlights top-tier earnings for forwards.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Ifeanyi Anaemena (Rivers United, Defender):
  • Monthly Salary: ₦900,000
  • Details: Before joining Al-Nahdah FC in 2021, Anaemena earned ₦900,000 monthly at Rivers United, indicating high earnings for defenders in top clubs.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Tosin Omoyele (Osun United, Forward), Cyril Olisema (Enyimba, Midfielder), Austin Oladapo (TP Mazembe, Midfielder):
  • Monthly Salary: ₦700,000 each
  • Details: These players earned ₦700,000 monthly while in the NPFL, reflecting mid-to-high-tier salaries for skilled midfielders and forwards.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Katsina United, Goalkeeper):
  • Monthly Salary: ₦600,000
  • Details: A veteran goalkeeper, Ezenwa earned ₦600,000 monthly, showcasing earnings for experienced players in mid-tier clubs.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars, Forward):
  • Monthly Salary: ₦400,000
  • Details: Before moving to Al Masry SC, Okpotu earned ₦400,000 monthly, representing salaries for promising but less established players.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Average NPFL Salaries:
  • Range: ₦65,000–₦1,200,000 per month
  • Details: According to a 2010 report from Cybereagles, clubs like Lobi Stars paid up to ₦200,000 monthly, Enyimba ₦150,000, and Rangers ₦65,000 for Category A players. By 2023, top clubs like Rivers United pay up to ₦1.2 million, while smaller clubs offer as low as ₦65,000–₦100,000 for less experienced players.

Salaries of Nigerian Footballers Playing Abroad

Many Nigerian footballers earn significantly higher salaries overseas, particularly in Europe, Saudi Arabia, and Asia. Below is a breakdown of top earners as of 2024, based on data from sources like PunchNG, Legit.ng, and Betpay:

• Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy):
  • Weekly Salary: £167,000 (~₦320,640,000 annually at ₦1,600/USD)
  • Annual Salary: £5,900,000 (₦11,328,000,000)
  • Details: Osimhen is the highest-paid Nigerian footballer, leading Napoli to a Serie A title in 2022/23. His salary reflects his status as a world-class striker.
  • Source: Betpay, Legit.ng
• Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy):
  • Weekly Salary: £84,413 (~₦161,473,536 annually)
  • Annual Salary: £4,840,000 (₦9,267,840,000)
  • Details: Known for his dribbling, Chukwueze earns a substantial salary at AC Milan, highlighting earnings for wingers.
  • Source: Legit.ng
• Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Kelechi Iheanacho (Sevilla, Spain):
  • Weekly Salary: £80,000 (~₦153,600,000 annually)
  • Annual Salary: £4,160,000 (₦7,987,200,000)
  • Details: Both players earn £80,000 weekly, reflecting high earnings for Premier League and La Liga players.
  • Source: Legit.ng
• Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England):
  • Weekly Salary: £75,000 (~₦144,000,000 annually)
  • Annual Salary: £3,900,000 (₦7,488,000,000)
  • Details: A key defensive midfielder, Ndidi’s salary underscores earnings for midfielders in top leagues.
  • Source: Betpay
• Odion Ighalo (Al-Wehda, Saudi Arabia):
  • Annual Salary: $1,100,000 (~₦1,760,000,000)
  • Details: A veteran striker, Ighalo earns handsomely in the Saudi Pro League, though less than his peak $170,000 weekly at Al Shabab.
  • Source: PunchNG
• Average Overseas Salaries:
  • Range: $870,000–$16,960,000 annually (~₦1,392,000,000–₦27,136,000,000)
  • Details: Top 25 Nigerian players overseas collectively earn $71.73 million annually (~₦114.77 billion), with salaries varying by league and role.

Factors Influencing Soccer Salaries in Nigeria

• Experience:
  • Entry-Level (0–2 years): ₦65,000–₦150,000 monthly in NPFL.
  • Mid-Career (2–5 years): ₦200,000–₦700,000 monthly.
  • Senior (5+ years): ₦900,000–₦1,200,000 monthly for top NPFL players.
  • Source: SalaryExplorer, Cybereagles
• Club Financial Capacity:
  • Wealthier clubs like Rivers United and Enyimba pay higher salaries than smaller clubs like Rangers or Kano Pillars.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Position:
  • Goalkeepers (e.g., Afelokhai) and forwards (e.g., Obaje) often earn more due to their critical roles.
  • Source: Sportsbrief
• Education:
  • While less relevant for footballers, some players with diplomas or degrees may negotiate better contracts, especially abroad.
• Location:
  • NPFL salaries are lower than overseas due to Nigeria’s economic context. Urban clubs (e.g., Lagos-based) may offer slightly higher pay.
  • Source: SalaryExplorer
• International Status:
  • Super Eagles players like Osimhen or Iheanacho earn more due to global marketability.
  • Source: Legit.ng
• Sponsorships and Bonuses:
  • Top players receive signing bonuses, match bonuses, and endorsement deals, significantly boosting income.
  • Source: Business Post Nigeria

Additional Compensation and Benefits

• Allowances:
  • NPFL players often receive housing, transportation, and match allowances, which can add 20–50% to base salaries.
  • Source: SalaryExplorer
• Bonuses:
  • Goal bonuses, win bonuses, and tournament bonuses (e.g., CAF Champions League) are common for top clubs like Enyimba.
  • Source: Cybereagles
• Sponsorships:
  • Players like Osimhen secure lucrative deals with brands, adding millions to their income.
  • Source: Legit.ng
• Overseas Perks:
  • Players abroad often receive tax-free salaries (e.g., Saudi Arabia), accommodation, and travel allowances.
  • Source: PunchNG
• Non-Monetary Benefits:
  • Training facilities, medical insurance, and international exposure are standard for top NPFL and overseas players.

Challenges and Considerations

• Limited NPFL Data:
  • Salary information is often player-reported or outdated, with few clubs disclosing official figures.
• Economic Factors:
  • Naira volatility (₦1,600/USD in 2025) reduces real earnings compared to foreign currencies.
• Contract Variability:
  • Salaries depend on negotiation, with no standardized pay scale in the NPFL.
• Career Risks:
  • Short careers and injury risks limit long-term earnings for many NPFL players.
• Overseas Disparities:
  • While top players like Osimhen earn millions, lesser-known players abroad may earn closer to NPFL top salaries.

Comparison with Other Professions in Nigeria

• Average Nigerian Salary: ₦339,000 monthly (~₦4,068,000 annually).
• Surgeons (Highest-Paid Profession): ₦1,260,000 monthly (~₦15,120,000 annually).
• NPFL Top Players: ₦1,200,000 monthly (~₦14,400,000 annually), comparable to surgeons.
• Overseas Top Players: ₦11.3 billion annually for Osimhen, far exceeding any Nigerian profession.

Conclusion

Soccer salaries in Nigeria vary widely, with NPFL players earning ₦65,000–₦1,200,000 monthly, led by players like Theophilus Afelokhai at ₦1.2 million. Overseas, Nigerian stars like Victor Osimhen earn up to £167,000 weekly (~₦11.3 billion annually), reflecting global market demand. Factors like experience, club wealth, and international status drive earnings, supplemented by bonuses and sponsorships. While NPFL salaries are modest compared to Europe or Saudi Arabia, top players rival Nigeria’s highest-paid professionals. For precise figures, players should consult club contracts or agents, as public data is limited. Nigeria’s football talent continues to shine, with financial rewards growing for its brightest stars.

Note: Figures are based on available data as of June 2025 and may vary due to contract changes or economic factors. Exchange rates used: ₦1,600/USD, ₦1,920/GBP.