Ahmed Musa is the highest paid player in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2026. The Kano Pillars captain earns an estimated ₦5 million per month, placing the veteran forward ahead of every player in the league.
After returning to Nigerian football, the former Super Eagles captain became the NPFL’s biggest earner. His achievements in England, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, together with his international record, place the Kano Pillars star in a class of his own.
This ranking lists the highest paid players in the Nigeria League in 2026, based on widely reported salary estimates and player records. NPFL clubs do not publish player contracts, so the figures remain estimates.
Highest Paid Players in Nigeria League 2026
| Rank | Player | Club | Position | Estimated Monthly Salary | Estimated Annual Salary |
| 1 | Ahmed Musa | Kano Pillars | Forward | ₦5,000,000 | ₦60,000,000 |
| 2 | Christian Obiozor | Enyimba | Forward | ₦1,000,000 | ₦12,000,000 |
| 3 | Mfon Udoh | Akwa United | Forward | ₦800,000 | ₦9,600,000 |
| 4 | Ifeanyi Udoh | Akwa United | Midfielder | ₦750,000 | ₦9,000,000 |
| 5 | Lucky Emmanuel | Shooting Stars | Winger | ₦600,000 | ₦7,200,000 |
| 6 | Sani Faisal | Katsina United | Defender | ₦580,000 | ₦6,960,000 |
| 7 | Aliyu Baba | Niger Tornadoes | Midfielder | ₦560,000 | ₦6,720,000 |
| 8 | Chukwuemeka Obioma | Abia Warriors | Forward | ₦540,000 | ₦6,480,000 |
| 9 | Yahaya Hussaini | Kano Pillars | Midfielder | ₦520,000 | ₦6,240,000 |
| 10 | Rabiu Ali | Kano Pillars | Midfielder | Estimated | Estimated |
Who Is the Highest Paid Player in Nigeria League 2026?
Ahmed Musa leads the ranking with an estimated monthly salary of ₦5 million. The experienced forward rejoined Kano Pillars after spending more than a decade abroad. Since then, the former Super Eagles captain has become the highest-paid player in Nigerian domestic football.
The prolific attacker started his senior career at GBS Football Academy before moving to Kano Pillars. Strong performances then earned transfers to VVV-Venlo, CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, Al Nassr, Fatih Karagümrük and Sivasspor.
Meanwhile, the veteran striker built one of Nigeria’s most successful international careers. The former Super Eagles captain won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, played at multiple FIFA World Cups and became the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups.
As a result, his experience, leadership and profile continue to justify his place at the top of the NPFL salary ranking.
Top 10 Highest Paid Players in Nigeria League 2026
1. Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦5 Million
Ahmed Musa remains the biggest name in the NPFL. After returning to Kano Pillars, the veteran forward became the league’s highest-paid player.
The former Leicester City star combines pace, finishing ability and experience. In addition, the accomplished attacker attracts larger crowds and greater commercial interest than any other player in the competition.
Consequently, the Kano Pillars captain remains the benchmark for player salaries in the Nigeria League.
2. Christian Obiozor (Enyimba)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦1 Million
Christian Obiozor ranks second among the highest paid players in the Nigeria League. The Enyimba striker earns an estimated ₦1 million each month.
The powerful forward established himself through consistent goals and strong performances. As a result, Enyimba reward the experienced striker with one of the league’s highest salaries.
Only Ahmed Musa earns more among reported NPFL salaries.
3. Mfon Udoh (Akwa United)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦800,000
Mfon Udoh sits third on the list. The prolific striker still ranks among the NPFL’s most respected forwards after setting the league’s single-season scoring record.
Moreover, the experienced goalscorer’s record continues to increase his value. His salary reflects years of consistent performances in Nigerian football.
4. Ifeanyi Udoh (Akwa United)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦750,000
Ifeanyi Udoh ranks fourth with an estimated monthly salary of ₦750,000.
The experienced midfielder remains a key player for Akwa United. His consistency and influence continue to place him among the league’s highest earners.
5. Lucky Emmanuel (Shooting Stars)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦600,000
Lucky Emmanuel completes the top five. The skilful winger earns an estimated ₦600,000 per month.
The attacking midfielder contributes creativity, pace and goals. Consequently, Shooting Stars value the experienced attacker among the club’s top earners.
6. Sani Faisal (Katsina United)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦580,000
Sani Faisal ranks sixth among the highest paid players in the Nigeria League in 2026. The Katsina United defender earns an estimated ₦580,000 per month.
The dependable defender built his reputation through disciplined performances and defensive consistency. As a result, Katsina United reward the experienced centre-back with one of the club’s highest salaries.
His earnings also place him among the highest-paid defenders in the NPFL.
7. Aliyu Baba (Niger Tornadoes)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦560,000
Aliyu Baba occupies seventh place with an estimated monthly salary of ₦560,000.
The experienced midfielder remains an important figure at Niger Tornadoes. His passing range, composure and leadership continue to make him one of the club’s most valuable players.
Consequently, the midfielder remains among the league’s highest earners.
8. Chukwuemeka Obioma (Abia Warriors)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦540,000
Chukwuemeka Obioma ranks eighth with an estimated monthly salary of ₦540,000.
The prolific striker has established himself as one of the NPFL’s reliable goalscorers. Season after season, the Abia Warriors forward continues to deliver important goals.
His consistency has also helped maintain one of the highest reported salaries in Nigerian domestic football.
9. Yahaya Hussaini (Kano Pillars)
Estimated Monthly Salary: ₦520,000
Yahaya Hussaini sits ninth on the list. The Kano Pillars midfielder earns an estimated ₦520,000 every month.
The versatile midfielder contributes both in attack and midfield. Meanwhile, his experience and work rate continue to make him an important player for Kano Pillars.
His salary reflects his value within one of the NPFL’s biggest clubs.
10. Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars)
Estimated Monthly Salary: Estimated
Rabiu Ali completes the top 10. The Kano Pillars legend has spent most of his career with the club and remains one of the most respected players in Nigerian football.
The veteran midfielder has won league titles, domestic honours and individual awards during a career spanning more than two decades. Although his current salary has not been disclosed, reports place the experienced playmaker among the club’s top earners.
NPFL Salary Structure in 2026
NPFL salaries vary by club, player experience and contract terms. Consequently, leading clubs pay significantly more than smaller teams.
The National Sports Commission proposed a ₦2 million minimum monthly salary for NPFL players as part of wider reforms aimed at improving player welfare. Although clubs have welcomed the proposal, implementation remains gradual across the league.
Most established first-team players earn between ₦300,000 and ₦800,000 per month. Meanwhile, leading domestic stars command salaries above ₦1 million, while Ahmed Musa remains an exception with an estimated ₦5 million monthly salary.
Many clubs also provide match bonuses, signing fees, accommodation, transport allowances and performance incentives in addition to basic salaries.
Why Ahmed Musa Is the Highest Paid Player in Nigeria League
Ahmed Musa’s salary reflects a career few NPFL players can match.
The experienced forward played in the English Premier League with Leicester City and won league titles with CSKA Moscow. He also represented Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia before returning to Kano Pillars.
Meanwhile, the former Super Eagles captain won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and represented Nigeria at multiple FIFA World Cups. He also became the first Nigerian to score in two different World Cups.
Those achievements continue to increase his commercial value. As a result, Kano Pillars pay the veteran forward more than any other player in the league.
Which NPFL Clubs Pay the Highest Salaries?
Although NPFL clubs do not publish payroll figures, several clubs consistently rank among the league’s biggest spenders.
| Club | Highest Earner | Estimated Top Monthly Salary |
| Kano Pillars | Ahmed Musa | ₦5,000,000 |
| Enyimba | Christian Obiozor | ₦1,000,000 |
| Akwa United | Mfon Udoh | ₦800,000 |
| Shooting Stars | Lucky Emmanuel | ₦600,000 |
| Katsina United | Sani Faisal | ₦580,000 |
Kano Pillars lead the ranking because of Ahmed Musa’s reported salary. Meanwhile, Enyimba and Akwa United continue to reward experienced players with competitive contracts.
FAQs
Who is the highest paid player in the Nigeria League in 2026?
Ahmed Musa is the highest paid player in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) in 2026. The Kano Pillars captain earns an estimated ₦5 million per month, making the veteran forward the league’s top earner.
How much does Ahmed Musa earn in the NPFL?
Ahmed Musa reportedly earns about ₦5 million per month, equivalent to ₦60 million per year. NPFL clubs do not publish player contracts, so the figure remains an estimate.
Which club pays the highest salaries in the NPFL?
Kano Pillars currently pay the league’s highest reported salary through Ahmed Musa’s contract. Clubs such as Enyimba, Akwa United and Remo Stars also rank among the league’s stronger payers.
What is the average salary of an NPFL player?
Average monthly salaries vary by club and experience. Reports place many first-team players between ₦400,000 and ₦700,000, while leading players earn more than ₦1 million per month.
What is the minimum salary for NPFL players?
The National Sports Commission proposed a ₦2 million minimum monthly salary as part of league reforms. The proposal is part of wider plans to improve player welfare and professional standards.
Why is Ahmed Musa the highest paid player in the NPFL?
Ahmed Musa returned to Kano Pillars after successful spells with CSKA Moscow, Leicester City, Al Nassr and other clubs. The former Super Eagles captain also won the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and played at multiple FIFA World Cups. His experience and profile place him above every other player in the league.
Do NPFL players receive bonuses?
Yes. Many NPFL clubs pay match bonuses, signing bonuses, goal bonuses and other performance incentives alongside basic salaries. The structure varies by club and player contract.
Which position earns the highest salaries in the NPFL?
Forwards usually earn the highest salaries because clubs place a premium on goals, experience and commercial appeal. Ahmed Musa, Christian Obiozor and Mfon Udoh illustrate that trend.
How are NPFL player salaries determined?
Clubs consider a player’s experience, recent performances, leadership, market value, international appearances and contract length before agreeing on salary terms.
Has the NPFL salary structure improved?
Yes. The National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation have announced reforms that include higher prize money, improved player welfare and proposals for higher minimum salaries.
