WATCH THE VIDEO HERE A growing number of Nigerian footballers have carved out strong reputations in the Turkish Süper Lig – not just for their performances on the pitch but also for the pay packets they command, Footynaija.com reports. From young prospects to household names, these stars are lighting up Turkey’s top flight and earning handsomely for their efforts. Here’s the list of the top 11 highest-paid Nigerian players in the Turkish Süper Lig, ranked from 11 to 1, based on gross weekly salaries as sourced from Capology. Annual earnings are also included for perspective. 11. Anthony Dennis – Göztepe A midfield talent nurtured through Nigeria’s local academies, Dennis arrived at Goztepe and shortly after helped the club gained promotion to the Super Lig. He has been a refreshing force in the Turkish top flight and was included in Nigeria’s provisional squad for the March World Cup qualifiers. At just 20, his modest salary reflects his status as a developing squad player trusted with providing depth in a newly-promoted side. Having represented Nigeria at U-17 and U-20 level, Bamgboye’s journey has taken him through Hungary and Slovakia before landing in Turkey. Versatile in attack, Hatayspor see him as a player with untapped potential – his salary mirroring that promise. A dependable presence in midfield since 2020, Uzodimma offers Kayserispor a blend of energy, discipline, and occasional creative bursts. His steady improvement and reliability justify his wage in a mid-table outfit. 8. Godfrey Stephen – Gaziantep A versatile leftback with previous stints in Poland, Belarus, and Hungary, Stephen joined Gaziantep in 2024. He has struggled to establish himself in the team’s setup, making only two league appearances to date. Strong, quick, and disciplined, it is only a matter of tine before the 24-year-old defender’s quality will shine through. Olawoyin has enjoyed a standout 2024–25 season, registering three goals, five assists, and leading the league in successful dribbles. The 27-year-old Lagos-born midfielder earned his first Super Eagles cap last year during the World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. His flair, technical quality, and attacking intent make him a bargain for Rizespor at this wage level. Previously a standout at Hatayspor, Akintola’s experience and direct attacking play continue to serve Rizespor well. With 34 successful dribbles this term and a consistent end product, his pay reflects his significant contribution in the final third. 5. Jonathan Okoronkwo – Hatayspor Still just 21, Okoronkwo arrived from Russia with a price tag of €800,000 and the potential to develop into a prolific forward. Used primarily off the bench, his raw talent and physicality have already added spark to Hatayspor’s front line. With Serie A experience from Venezia and Torino, the former Club Brugge forward brought pedigree when he joined Gaziantep in 2024. His blend of strength, movement, and finishing makes him central to the club’s attacking hopes. A Süper Lig winner in his first stint at Trabzonspor, Nwakaeme remains a cult hero despite battling injuries since returning from Saudi Arabia. His presence, experience, and goal threat continue to earn him elite-level wages in Turkey. Under José Mourinho, Osayi-Samuel blossomed at right-back for Fenerbahçe in the first half of the season. While his playing time has reduced significantly, he has still made his mark at Fenerbahce having featured in over 140 appearances since his arrival in 2021. His blend of pace, power, and attacking threat from deep has made him one of the league’s most consistent performers. The crown jewel of Nigerian football in Turkey, Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan in early 2025 after a public fallout with Napoli. The results have been explosive – 20 league goals and five assists in just 18 matches. With a total of 33 goals in 38 games across all competitions for club and country, Osimhen’s astronomical salary reflects his global superstar status and match-winning pedigree. Top earning Nigerians in Turkey 11. Anthony Dennis – Göztepe 10. Funsho Bamgboye – Hatayspor 9. Anthony Uzodimma – Kayserispor 8. Godfrey Stephen – Gaziantep 7. Ibrahim Olawoyin – Çaykur Rizespor 6. David Akintola – Çaykur Rizespor 5. Jonathan Okoronkwo – Hatayspor 4. David Okereke – Gaziantep 3. Anthony Nwakaeme – Trabzonspor 2. Bright Osayi-Samuel – Fenerbahçe 1. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli)
Gross weekly salary: €2,885
Annual salary: €150,020
10. Funsho Bamgboye – Hatayspor
Gross weekly salary: €4,808
Annual salary: €250,016
9. Anthony Uzodimma – Kayserispor
Gross weekly salary: €5,769
Annual salary: €300,228
Gross weekly salary: €6,346
Annual salary: €330,392
7. Ibrahim Olawoyin – Çaykur Rizespor
Gross weekly salary: €7,308
Annual salary: €380,016
6. David Akintola – Çaykur Rizespor
Gross weekly salary: €10,577
Annual salary: €550,004
Gross weekly salary: €11,538
Annual salary: €600,056
4. David Okereke – Gaziantep
Gross weekly salary: €19,231
Annual salary: €1,000,012
3. Anthony Nwakaeme – Trabzonspor
Gross weekly salary: €48,077
Annual salary: €2,500,004
2. Bright Osayi-Samuel – Fenerbahçe
Gross weekly salary: €57,692
Annual salary: €3,000,064
1. Victor Osimhen – Galatasaray (on loan from Napoli)
Gross weekly salary: €290,962
Annual salary: €15,100,072
(Galatasaray: €192,308 | Napoli: €98,654)
Gross weekly salary: €2,885
Gross weekly salary: €4,808
Gross weekly salary: €5,769
Gross weekly salary: €6,346
Gross weekly salary: €7,308
Gross weekly salary: €10,577
Gross weekly salary: €11,538
Gross weekly salary: €19,231
Gross weekly salary: €48,077
Gross weekly salary: €57,692
Gross weekly salary: €290,962
Osimhen, Okereke and the 10 highest-paid Nigerians in the Turkish Super Lig – Full rankings
