Nigeria League highest-paid players – The top 7

Nigeria League highest-paid players – The top 7
Credit: Iconsport

The Nigeria League highest-paid players have immense talent and competitive spirit that have developed over the many years they've plied their trade in the domestic top-flight.

While the league may not boast the same financial power as some of its European counterparts, it has witnessed a significant increase in player salaries in recent years.

The NPFL stands as one of Africa's most renowned and beloved football competitions, owing to the nation's fervent passion and unwavering devotion to the beautiful game.

Yet, the league's history has been marred by stories of unpaid wages, inadequate funding, and neglectful player welfare, painting a bleak picture of its past.

In this article, we delve into the world of football wealth and explore the Nigeria league highest-paid players.

List of Nigeria League highest-paid players – top 7

Alimi Sikiru (₦1.3million)

Remo Stars will miss Sikiru Alimi in NPFL week 27
Credit @RemoStarsSC X

Remo Stars hitman Alimi Sikiru has emerged as the highest-paid player in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) where he commands a monthly salary of ₦1.3 million.

With such hefty monthly pay, Sikiru has continued to bang in the goals for the Sky Blue Stars in the 2023/24 season.

At the time of writing, the 28-year-old forward has scored 14 goals for Remo Stars who're in contention to win the NPFL this season.

Nyima Nwagwa (₦750,000)

Nyima Nwagwa in action for Rivers United
Photo by Icon Sport

Rivers United captain Nyima Nwagwa ranks second on the highest-paid NPFL players list.

The attacking midfielder has been a loyal servant and leader of the Pride of Port Harcourt side who won the league title two seasons ago and have gotten to the quarter-finals of the CAF Confederation Cup in back-to-back campaigns.

The former Kano Pillars man has continued to deliver the goods for Rivers United since his move from the Sai Masu Gida side in the 2022/21 season and he's worth every penny he receives monthly.

Kelly Kester (₦750,000)

Bendel Insurance Kelly Kester
Credit: @BendelInsurance X

Just like his father, Kelly Kester Oahimijie was unveiled as Bendel Insurance player just before the commencement of the 2023/24 NPFL season.

Bendel Insurance landed the services of the former Shooting Stars holding midfielder giving the player's defensive solidity around the middle of the park.

As someone who is not a visitor to the Nigerian domestic scene, Kester commands ₦750,000 monthly salary as a player for Bendel Insurance.

Junior Lokosa (₦700,000)

Junior Lokosa Sporting Lagos forward
Credit: @SportingLagos X

In Nigeria league highest-paid players list comes Junior Lokosa in fourth place.

Currently playing for newly promoted side Sporting Lagos, the former NPFL top goal scorer takes home ₦700,000 per month. He has scored eight league goals for the Noisy Lagosians after 32 NPFL fixtures this season.

Godwin Obaje (₦650,000)

Godwin Obaje in action
Credit: @NPFL_News X

Securing the fifth-highest position on the list of Nigeria's highest-paid players in the league is Godwin Obaje, a prolific striker representing Enugu Rangers, with a remarkable monthly income of ₦650,000.

Known for his goal-scoring prowess, Obaje stands among the top scorers in the league, consistently demonstrating his exceptional abilities on the field.

Despite his aspirations to seek opportunities abroad, the player encountered obstacles in his quest, ultimately leading him to establish a firm foothold in the Nigerian football league, where he continues to excel and contribute significantly to Rangers' quest to win the 2023/24 NPFL title.

Gambo Mohammed (₦600,000)

Gambo Mohammed in action for Katsina United
Credit: @NPFL_News X

Gambo Mohammed, aged 36, is a highly skilled footballer, currently represents Katsina United FC in the esteemed Nigerian Football League.

Mohammed's contributions as a Center Forward for his club have garnered substantial financial rewards, as he earns an impressive monthly salary of ₦600,000.

Ikechukwu Ezenwa (₦600,000)

20231123 201724
Credit: @NPFL_News X

Ikechukwu Ezenwa, a 35-year-old athlete, serves as the goalkeeper for Katsina United FC, where he commands a monthly salary of around ₦600k. Ezenwa initiated his professional football journey with Ocean Boys before transitioning to Heartland FC in July 2008.

Eventually, in 2019, he made the move to his current team, solidifying his role as a vital presence between the goalposts for Katsina United FC.

Anthony Okpotu (₦400,000)

Anthony Okpotu in action for Lobi Stars
Credit: @NPFL_News X

Okpotu, recognized as one of the premier talents and leading goal scorers in the Nigerian Football League, has consistently proven his prowess on the field.

His exceptional ability to deliver crucial goals has earned him multiple nominations for the Striker of the Season and Player of the Year awards.

Currently affiliated with Lobi Stars FC, Okpotu receives a monthly salary of ₦400,000 as a testament to his value and contributions to the team.

Enyimba players salary

Enyimba is the most successful Nigeria Premier Football League side with nine league titles to their name to add to their two CAF Champions League trophies.

The People's Elephants are the current NPFL Champions and are easily one of the richest clubs in Nigeria who challenge for the NPFL title almost every season. But why this is known, how about Enyimba players salary list?

Well, Enyimb players salary information is what we don't have at the time of writing, but it is believed that Enyimba players earn a minimum monthly salary of ₦250,000 with the likes of Mbaoma Chijioke one of the very top earners at the club.

This article was most recently revised and updated 2 years ago

Joseph Abadi
Joseph is a freelance writer who spends most of his time writing engaging football contents. Based in Nigeria, Joseph is a die-hard Real Madrid fan with over 8 years experience in the sports betting space. He has covered football match previews, predictions, and news across leagues in Africa and Europe.

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