Major League Soccer may not be as globally celebrated as Europe’s top five leagues, but it has slowly become a promising destination for Nigerian players seeking both opportunity and recognition. Over the years, a few high-profile transfers have shown just how much Nigerian talent is being valued in the American game.
In this piece, Footynaija.com takes a detailed look at the most expensive Nigerian transfers into Major League Soccer.
5. Chinonso Offor – €760k to CF Montréal (2020/21)
In 2020, CF Montréal splashed €760,000 to snap up Chinonso Offor from Latvian side Daugavpils, making him the fifth-most expensive Nigerian to ever join an MLS club. At just 20 then, Offor was seen as a long-term project. He has since featured for Chicago Fire and returned to Montréal, offering flashes of promise with his athletic frame and powerful runs.
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4. Ibrahim Aliyu – €2.10m to Houston Dynamo (2022/23)
Former Flying Eagles forward Ibrahim Aliyu joined Houston Dynamo in 2023 for a hefty €2.10 million fee from NK Lokomotiva Zagreb. The 21-year-old centre-forward impressed scouts with his blistering pace in Croatia, and his move was viewed as part of Houston’s wider push for attacking depth. His technical development and flair have since caught attention in the MLS.
3. Alhassan Yusuf – €2.30m to New England Revolution (2024/25)
In the 2024 secondary transfer window, Alhassan Yusuf made headlines by completing a €2.30 million move to New England Revolution from Royal Antwerp. Known for his tireless midfield work and calm ball progression, the then 24-year-old Nigerian joined as a reinforcement for Revolution’s midfield rebuild. The deal stands as one of the MLS’s biggest midfield investments in recent years.
2. Obinna Nwobodo – €2.73m to FC Cincinnati (2021/22)
Obinna Nwobodo became FC Cincinnati’s midfield anchor when he arrived from Göztepe in 2022. Signed for €2.73 million, the then 25-year-old was tasked with fixing Cincinnati’s midfield woes. His aggressive tackling and non-stop energy quickly earned him a reputation as one of the league’s most industrious midfielders.
1. Obafemi Martins – €3.64m to Seattle Sounders (2012/13)
No Nigerian has ever cost more in MLS history than Obafemi Martins. Signed from Levante for €3.64 million, Martins became an instant hit at Seattle Sounders. His flair, finishing, and famous backflip celebrations helped him bag 40 goals in 72 appearances.
He is not just Nigeria’s most expensive export to MLS, but also one of the priciest Nigerians ever signed in other leagues, including Russia and China. Years after his departure from the American league, the Nigerian legend is still fondly remembered in Seattle.
