Victor Osimhen tops list of most expensive Nigerian footballers

Victor Osimhen has solidified his status as Nigeria’s most expensive footballer ever with his record-breaking €75m permanent transfer from Napoli to Galatasaray, making him the costliest player in Turkish football history.

This move, combined with his previous €78m transfer from Lille to Napoli in 2020, pushes his cumulative transfer fees to €153.9m, far surpassing other Nigerian stars.

Below are the top five most expensive Nigerian footballers, ranked by individual transfer fees, highlighting Osimhen’s dominance.

1. Victor Osimhen (€80m, Lille to Napoli, 2020) – Osimhen’s blockbuster move to Napoli set a new African record at the time. The 26-year-old striker led Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years in 2022-23, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 26 goals, cementing his status as a global star.

2. Victor Osimhen (€75m, Napoli to Galatasaray, 2025) – Osimhen’s recent transfer to Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals during a 2024-25 loan spell, marks the most expensive deal in Turkish football. His deep connection to the club drove his return, as he told GSTV: “I fought so hard to return here.”

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3. Kelechi Iheanacho (€27m, Manchester City to Leicester City, 2017) – Iheanacho’s move to Leicester made him a key figure for the Foxes. The forward’s versatility and knack for crucial goals earned him a solid reputation in the Premier League.

4. Alex Iwobi (€22m, Arsenal to Everton, 2019) – Iwobi’s transfer to Everton showcased his versatility as a midfielder. His creativity and work rate have since seen him thrive at Fulham, where he moved in 2023.

5. Odion Ighalo (€20m, Watford to Changchun Yatai, 2017) – Ighalo’s move to China followed a prolific spell at Watford. His later loan to Manchester United in 2020 highlighted his enduring quality as a striker.