Belgian football has long been a launchpad for Nigerian stars, and in recent years, the transfer fees have shown just how valuable these players have become.
In this article, Footynaija.com brings you the five most expensive Nigerian transfers in Belgian football history.
5. Tolu Arokodare – €5 million
Arokodare joined Genk in January 2023 as a direct replacement for Paul Onuachu, and the club paid a hefty €5 million to secure his services from French side Amiens. Known for his strength, hold-up play, and goalscoring instincts, the 6ft 6in forward quickly proved his worth. He finished the 2024–25 season as Genk’s top scorer and even won the Ebony Shoe, Belgium’s award for the best African player in the league.
4. Raphael Onyedika – €9.5 million
Club Brugge splashed €9.5 million to bring in Onyedika from Danish club FC Midtjylland, making him the most expensive Nigerian signing into Belgium. The defensive midfielder came with Champions League experience and a growing reputation in Denmark. He added steel to Brugge’s midfield and quickly became a fan favourite with his aggression, ball-winning skills, and composure.
3. Gift Orban – €12 million (plus bonuses)
Gift Orban’s explosive rise caught Europe’s attention, and by January 2024, Lyon paid €12 million with the potential of another €8 million in bonuses, along with a 20 percent sell-on clause. The move came just a year after Orban had joined Gent from Norway’s Stabæk.
2. Paul Onuachu – €21 million
Onuachu’s transfer to Southampton in February 2023 remains one of the biggest Belgian exits ever. Genk sold the towering striker for around €21 million, after he had netted 85 goals in 134 matches for the club. The Super Eagles forward had won the Belgian Golden Boot in 2021 and was named Pro League Player of the Year.
1. Victor Osimhen – €22.4 million
Although Osimhen never played for Charleroi permanently before his sale, the Belgian side exercised a €3.5 million option to buy him from Wolfsburg and immediately sold him to Lille for €22.4 million. That clever piece of business stands today as the most expensive Nigerian transfer involving a Belgian club.