Top 10 Highest Paid Nigerian Footballers In Npfl 2025: Updated Monthly Salaries And Allowances
The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) has witnessed significant growth in recent years, leading to increased financial rewards for its players. As of 2025, several footballers have emerged as top earners in the league, reflecting their exceptional skills and contributions to their respective teams. Below is an updated list of the top 10 highest-paid Nigerian footballers in the NPFL, detailing their monthly salaries and career highlights.
1. Sikiru Alimi – Remo Stars
- Monthly Salary: ₦1,300,000
- Position: Forward
Career Highlights: Sikiru Alimi has been instrumental for Remo Stars, showcasing remarkable goal-scoring abilities. In the 2023/2024 NPFL season, he made 21 appearances, netting 11 goals and providing 3 assists. His consistent performances have solidified his reputation as a prolific striker in the league.
2. Theophilus Afelokhai – Rivers United FC
- Monthly Salary: ₦1,200,000
- Position: Goalkeeper
Career Highlights: A seasoned goalkeeper, Theophilus Afelokhai has had stints with top NPFL clubs, including Enyimba FC, before joining Rivers United. His experience and leadership have been pivotal in Rivers United's defensive solidity. Afelokhai's agility and shot-stopping prowess make him one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the league.
3. Godwin Obaje – Abia Warriors
- Monthly Salary: ₦1,000,000
- Position: Forward
Career Highlights: Godwin Obaje is renowned for his goal-scoring prowess. His consistent performance as a forward for Abia Warriors has solidified his reputation as one of the top strikers in the league.
4. Nyima Nwagua – Rivers United FC
- Monthly Salary: ₦750,000
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
Career Highlights: Nyima Nwagua serves as the captain of Rivers United and has been a loyal servant and leader of the team. His contributions have been crucial in the team's successes, including strong performances in the CAF Confederation Cup.
5. Kelly Kester – Bendel Insurance
- Monthly Salary: ₦750,000
- Position: Defensive Midfielder
Career Highlights: Kelly Kester joined Bendel Insurance before the commencement of the 2023/24 NPFL season. His defensive skills and leadership qualities have made him an integral part of the team.
6. Junior Lokosa – Sporting Lagos
- Monthly Salary: ₦700,000
- Position: Forward
Career Highlights: Junior Lokosa is known for his goal-scoring abilities and has previously won the NPFL top scorer award. His consistent performances have made him a significant threat to defenders in the league.
7. Cyril Olisema – Akwa United
- Monthly Salary: ₦700,000
- Position: Attacking Midfielder
Career Highlights: Cyril Olisema's creativity and playmaking skills have been vital for Akwa United’s midfield operations. His ability to control the tempo of the game and provide crucial assists has earned him a spot among the top earners.
8. Tosin Omoyele – Shooting Stars
- Monthly Salary: ₦700,000
- Position: Striker
Career Highlights: Tosin Omoyele is recognized for his consistent goal-scoring and attacking prowess. His performances have been instrumental in Shooting Stars' offensive strategies.
9. Gambo Mohammed – Katsina United FC
- Monthly Salary: ₦600,000
- Position: Center Forward
Career Highlights: Gambo Mohammed, aged 36, is a highly skilled footballer, currently representing Katsina United FC in the esteemed Nigerian Football League. His contributions as a Center Forward for his club have garnered substantial financial rewards.
10. Ikechukwu Ezenwa – Katsina United FC
- Monthly Salary: ₦600,000
- Position: Goalkeeper
Career Highlights: Ikechukwu Ezenwa, a 35-year-old athlete, serves as the goalkeeper for Katsina United FC. His experience and reliability between the posts have been crucial for his team’s defense.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the highest-paid player in the NPFL as of 2025?
A: As of 2025, Sikiru Alimi of Remo Stars is the highest-paid player in the NPFL, earning a monthly salary of ₦1,300,000.
Q2: Are goalkeepers among the top earners in the NPFL?
A: Yes, goalkeepers like Theophilus Afelokhai and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are among the top earners, reflecting the value of experienced shot-stoppers in the league.
Q3: Do these salaries include bonuses and allowances?
A: The figures mentioned represent the base monthly salaries. Players may receive additional bonuses and allowances based on performance, contracts, and club policies.
Q4: How do NPFL salaries compare to other African leagues?
A: While NPFL salaries have improved, they may still be lower compared to top African leagues like the South African Premier Division. However, the NPFL continues to grow, aiming for more competitive compensation.
Q5: Has the NPFL implemented salary caps?
A: The NPFL does not have a standardized salary cap, allowing clubs to negotiate salaries based on their financial capabilities and the player's market value.
Note: The salaries and player information are based on available data as of 2025. Figures may vary due to contract negotiations and club policies.
Conclusion
The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL) is gradually evolving into a more financially rewarding and professionally organized league. The top 10 highest-paid Nigerian footballers in 2025 highlight how talent, consistency, and experience are now being adequately recognized and compensated. From veterans like Theophilus Afelokhai and Ikechukwu Ezenwa to prolific forwards like Sikiru Alimi and Junior Lokosa, the NPFL is home to some of the country’s finest footballing talents.
As investments in Nigerian football continue to grow and the league attracts more sponsorships, we can expect these salaries and benefits to rise even further. This upward trend not only motivates players to perform at their best but also attracts younger talents to stay within the country and develop their careers locally.
Ultimately, these top earners are not just role models on the pitch — they are symbols of the NPFL's bright and promising future.
