Football is the passion of many Nigerian youths. Not only because they like the wholesome exercise that it provides the body, but also because they hope that their game will get them to levels that it has taken the players in this list.
Here is the list of the top 5 richest Nigerian footballers who have used their prowess on the football pitch to make huge fortunes. This list is in no particular order.
1. Augustine Jay-Jay Okocha
Mr. Augustine Okocha needs not to be introduced as he is a popular figure in the Nigerian football stage. His skills have taken him around the world and he has thrilled thousands with his brilliant ‘dribbling’ skills. Okocha played for top teams of Germany, Qatar, Turkey and England like Eintracht Frankfurt, Fenerbahçe, Paris St-Germain, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City. In 2003 and 2004 he was named BBC African Footballer of the Year.
After a successful football career, Okocha turned his attention to business and he has been doing very well as the head of Jay Jay Okocha Group West Africa Limited’. Mr. Okocha is estimated to be worth over $150 million.
2. Nwankwo Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu, also called ‘the player with a golden heart’ is known not only for his successful football career but also for his philanthropic endeavors. He is a very skilled Nigerian footballer that was simply ‘elegant’ on the football pitch.
Kanu played for renowned and beloved teams like Arsenal, West Bromwich Albion and Portsmouth.
He excited fans with his football dexterity for 16years until his eventual retirement in 2010. He is estimated to be worth $100 million. He is also an ambassador for UNICEF.
3. Obafemi Martins
Obafemi martin is one hell of a ‘baller’. With mentions in songs by D’Banj, he is known for enjoying the good life that his football skills have afforded him. Mr. Martins left Nigeria for Italy as a teen and since then he has played for a number of clubs around Europe; from clubs of Italy to those in Russia, Germany and England. He owns several houses around Italy alongside several exotic cars. His annual salary is about $2 million.
4. John Mikel Obi
John Mikel Obi, as he is officially known, is another Nigerian success story. His talent has made him a desired player in clubs around Europe. Mikel obi is not only desired by European clubs but also by European girls. He owns several real estate around London, Lagos and Jos. He is worth about $50 million.</p>
5. Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Yakubu Aiyegbeni’s appeal is simply charming. He has played for over 250 Premier League matches. He played for Portsmouth, Middleborough, Everton, and Blackburn Rovers, of the premier league and is the second highest African goals corer the League history. He also owns a collection of foreign cars and several real estate in Lagos and Benin City. His last known annual salary was above a 1.8 million EUR and his skills might get him a larger one soon.
There you have it: The list of the top five richest Nigerian footballers. Do you know some notable one? Let’s hear your opinion in the comments.
