Super striker Victor Osimhen continues to blaze a trail for Nigerian footballers, topping the list of the country’s most expensive players with two blockbuster transfers worth over €150 million combined.
The Super Eagles striker leads the ranking with his €78.9 million switch to Napoli from Lille in 2020, and now also claims second place after sealing a €75 million move to Turkish giants Galatasaray ahead of the 2025/26 season.
With both deals amounting to over €150 million, Osimhen stands out not just for his performances, but for the market value he commands.
Osimhen celebrating at Galatasary.Photo Credit; Getty Images
Based on data from Transfermarkt, here are the top 10 highest-value transfers involving Nigerian players:
1. Victor Osimhen – €78.9m
LOSC Lille ➝ Napoli (2020/21)
2. Victor Osimhen – €75m
Napoli ➝ Galatasaray (2025/26)
3. Alex Iwobi – €30.4m
Arsenal ➝ Everton (2019/20)
4. Kelechi Iheanacho – €27.7m
Man City ➝ Leicester City (2017/18)
5. Alex Iwobi – €25.7m
Everton ➝ Fulham (2023/24)
6. Odion Ighalo – €23.3m
Watford ➝ Changchun Yatai (2016/17)
7. Nathan Tella – €23.3m
Southampton ➝ Bayer Leverkusen (2023/24)
8. Calvin Bassey – €23m
Rangers ➝ Ajax (2022/23)
9. Victor Boniface – €22.6m
Union SG ➝ Bayer Leverkusen (2023/24)
10. Terem Moffi – €22.5m
Lorient ➝ OGC Nice (2023/24)
The list reflects a growing market for Nigerian talent, particularly over the past five seasons. Seven of the top ten deals occurred after 2020 an indication of Nigeria’s increasing influence in global football and the financial confidence placed on its players.
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Alex Iwobi, another key figure, also appears twice, while names like Iheanacho, Tella, and Boniface round out a strong lineup of players excelling across top European leagues.
Alex Iwobi celebrates with teammates after scoring for Fulham( photo credit: Getty images)
Osimhen’s unique double appearance follows years of dominance on the pitch.
He finished as Serie A’s top scorer in 2022/23, led Napoli to their first title in 33 years, and recently helped Galatasaray to a domestic double during his loan spell.
Calvin Bassey. Photo Credit: Getty Images
He was later crowned CAF African Footballer of the Year in 2023, placed 8th in the Ballon d’Or voting, and became the all-time highest-scoring African in Serie A.
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Combined, the top 10 Nigerian transfers are now worth over €380 million, signalling a golden generation of marketable talent and long-term value.
