Over the last years Africa has produced some world-class players and can be rightly considered as the football continent of the future. We would like to present you a list of the richest football players from Nigeria.
Yakubu Aiyegbeni
Yakubu Aiyegbeni was born 22 November 1982 in Benin City. His nickname is “The Yak”. He is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for Al Rayyan (Qatar) and the Nigerian national football team.
He has a mansion in London, a duplex in Lagos, several buildings in Benin city, He is also the owner of a hotel in Auchi, Edo State. He owns a petrol station in Benin city, which is run by his brother Momo. Yak is a big fan of cars, his collection in Nigeria includes Range Rover and BMW. His 2012 salary was not less than 1.86 million EUR.
Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins
Obafemi Martins was born on 28 October 1984. He left Nigeria when he was 16. Obafemi played for several clubs around Europe. He began his senior career in Italia. He played in Inter-Milan of Italy, Newcastle united of England , Birmingham City of England, Vfl Wolfsborg of Germany , Rubin Kazan of Russia. Currently he is a forward for Seattle Sounders FC and the Nigeria national team.
His annual salary is $1,6 million. It is a highest salary for Seattle Sounders FC. He owns two luxury houses near Lagos, elite mansion in Como, Italy. He also owns several hotels in Italy. As for his cars – he likes to drive Lamborghini (N50 million), Porsche Gemballa (N20 million), BMWX6 (N18 million) and a Ferrari sport car.
Nwankwo Kanu
Nwankwo Kanu or just Kanu is a legendary player, who is retired now. He was a member of the Nigerian national team for 16 years from 1994 until 2010. Kanu has won a UEFA Champions League medal, a UEFA Cup medal, three FA Cup Winners Medals and two African Player of the Year. He is also one of few players to have won the Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League, UEFA Cup and an Olympic Gold Medal. He is also a UNICEF ambassador.
He is an owner of top-level hotels and a night club in Victoria Island.He also invests in bottle water company and has own charity organization called Kanu Heart Foundation.
Jay-Jay Okocha
Another brilliant player of the past in our list. Jay-Jay was regarded as the Best Nigerian Player of his Generation. More than 20 years of his career he played in top teams of Germany, Qatar, Turkey and England. In March 2004, he was named among the top 125 living footballers by Pelé. He has gone into business after retirement. His biggest project was a Club 10, but he sold it in 2013. He is known for his desire to help the youth. He often grants some big scholarships for students.
Mikel Obi
Mikel is known not only for his Russian girlfriend, but for his successful career as well. He plays as a midfielder for English club Chelsea and the Nigeria national team. He was formerly was in Norwegian club FC Lyn Oslo.
He earns approximately N20 million per week. It is a sum without bonuses and income from UEFA Champions League. 27-year-old star owns several mansions in UK (London), Lagos and Jos. He has some shares in top companies and even owns a personal record label. He likes to drive Mercedes G Wagon, Black Mercedes G 500, a Range Rover Sport and a N30 million Bentley Continental.
