When you think of Nigerian stars lighting up European football, Greece isn’t usually the first country that pops into your head. But over the years, the Greek Super League has seen its fair share of Nigerian talent making big-money moves and leaving their mark.
From iconic goal scorers like Rashidi Yekini to modern-day stars like Henry Onyekuru and Bruno Onyemaechi, Footynaija.com brings you the most expensive Nigerian transfers in Greek Super League history.
6. Emmanuel Emenike – Fenerbahce to Olympiacos (€2.50m)
By the time Emenike rocked up at Olympiacos in the summer of 2017, he was already a household name thanks to his heroics at Fenerbahce and with Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The €2.50 million move was seen as a steal for a striker of his pedigree.
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However, Emenike’s time in Piraeus didn’t quite go as planned. Struggling with injuries and form, he made just 10 appearances, scoring 4 goals in all competitions. Despite flashes of his trademark power and pace, he failed to establish himself as the team’s main man up front. Olympiacos still managed to finish as league runners-up that season, but for Emenike personally, it was a stint that never really took off.
5. Bruno Onyemaechi – Boavista to Olympiacos (€2.50m)
Fast forward to today, and there’s fresh Nigerian blood trying to make history at Olympiacos. Super Eagles left-back Onyemaechi signed in the 2024 winter window for €2.50 million after impressing in Portugal. Known for his engine and ability to bomb forward, Onyemaechi was expected to provide defensive stability while adding some attacking thrust on the flank.
As he’s only just joined, the jury’s still out on how impactful he’ll be, but expectations are sky-high especially after making 14 appearances and contributing to a domestic double. Next season, he could become a key figure in Olympiacos’ push to maintain their domestic dominance and make a splash in Europe.
4. Rashidi Yekini – Vitoria Setubal to Olympiacos (€2.72m)
The late, great Rashidi Yekini became one of the first big-name Nigerian players to join Olympiacos when he signed for €2.72 million in 1994. The Super Eagles’ all-time leading scorer arrived in Greece after tearing it up in Portugal with Vitoria Setunal and helping Nigeria win the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations.
But Yekini’s time in Greece was surprisingly brief. He scored 2 goals in 4 appearances before moving on after falling out with his teammates and the coaching staff. While his stint was short-lived, Yekini remains a legend of Nigerian football and was arguably ahead of his time as a pioneer for African players in Europe.
3. Anderson Esiti – KAA Gent to PAOK Thessaloniki (€3.50m)
In 2019, defensive midfield powerhouse Esiti became the most expensive Nigerian signing in PAOK Thessaloniki’s history when they paid €3.50 million to lure him from Gent. Known for his strength, tactical discipline and ball-winning ability, Esiti slotted into the midfield to provide steel and balance.
Although not flashy, Esiti played a vital role in helping PAOK secure second place in the league and a Greek Cup final appearance. In total, he made 37 appearances, and while he didn’t score or assist, his presence as a destroyer allowed the team’s creative players to shine.
2. Henry Onyekuru – Monaco to Olympiacos (€4.50m)
Onyekuru’s move to Olympiacos in 2021 for €4.50 million came with plenty of hype. After dazzling in Belgium and Turkey, the Super Eagles winger was expected to bring pace, creativity and goals to the Greek champions.
Unfortunately, it didn’t quite click. Onyekuru struggled for consistency and ended the season with 27 appearances, 1 goal and 1 assist across all competitions. Despite his personal struggles, Olympiacos won the Super League title, so Onyekuru at least picked up a medal during his time in Piraeus. The winger eventually moved on in search of more regular football.
1. Brown Ideye – West Bromwich Albion to Olympiacos (€5.42m)
At the very top of our list is Ideye, whose €5.42 million move from West Bromwich Albion to Olympiacos in 2015 remains the most expensive Nigerian transfer in Greek football history. And unlike some others on this list, Ideye absolutely delivered.
In his debut season, the striker was electric. He bagged 13 goals and 4 assists in 35 appearances, firing Olympiacos to the 15/16 Super League title. His physicality, intelligent movement and ability to score in big games made him a fan favourite. Ideye also shone in Europe, scoring in the Champions League group stage against Arsenal.
Though he left the club after two seasons, his impact was immense. He finished with 28 goals and 6 assists in 65 appearances, cementing his place as one of the most successful Nigerian imports in Greek football.
