The Nigerian citizens will ever offer their profound gratitude to Walter Camp and other individuals who introduced football to the world. Indeed, football has elevated the social status of some Nigerians in a way they never imagined, bringing to them wealth and fame. Even across the world, football is appreciated as the king of sports as the game continues to bring great joy to many.
So far, the game claims almost 60% of the world’s passion and attention, it has given individuals means of livelihood as businesses are built around the game. One of such opportunities that have sprung up in recent years in Africa is sports bet firms which offer opportunities as an employer of labor and enabler of other small businesses on the continent.
Also, some players of African descent have been beneficiaries of the insanely huge amount of money going around the football world as transfer fees and wages. This particular class of beneficiaries is the ones who can be said to have really cash in on the goodies football has to offer.
Below are the top 5 richest Nigerian footballers and their net worth.
John Obi Mikel – N23 billion
John Obi Mikel who currently plays as a defensive midfielder for the EFL Championship club Stoke City is popularly known by his last name Mikel. He is a Nigerian footballer who was born on 22 April 1989 in Jos, Nigeria. He played for Plateau United for some years before joining Norwegian club Lyn at the age of 17 in 2004. His qualities stood him out as a future great which led to transfer controversy that saw him move to Chelsea FC in 2006 despite the popular claim of being signed already by Manchester united. He has represented other clubs like Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, and Trabzonspor.
Obafemi Martins – N14 billion
Obafemi Martins is currently an attacking football player at a Chinese Super League club known as Shanghai Shenhua. He was born on 28 October 1984 in Lagos, Nigeria. He began his football career early leaving Nigeria for Italy at the age of 16. He made the most impact at Inter Milan where he became world renown.
Odion Ighalo – N12 billion
Odion Jude Ighalo is a Nigerian professional footballer who currently plays for Manchester United in England on loan from his parent club Shanghai Shenhua. He has represented clubs like Lyn, Granada, and Watford where he played as the strike partner of Troy Deeney.
Vincent Enyeama – N10 billion
Vincent Enyeama is arguably one of the best goalkeepers Nigeria ever produced. His qualities have so far earned him about 101 caps making him the highest capped footballer in Nigeria national team history. He is known for his commanding goalkeeping qualities having captained the Nigerian national team for years. Amongst the teams he has represented are Enyimba FC, and Lille in the French Ligue 1.
Victor Moses – N7.3 billion
The Nigerian football player is currently playing on loan at Inter Milan under Antonio Conte who gave him glory at Chelsea FC winning two trebles. He began his career with the championship team crystal Palace in England and has played for other clubs like Wigan Athletic, Liverpool FC, Stoke City FC, West Ham United, and Fenerbahce.