Nigerian footballers have made a decent impact in the Portuguese league over the years, lighting up stadiums from Lisbon to Porto.
Portugal has often served as a launchpad for African talents to Europe’s elite leagues, and only a handful of Nigerians have commanded particularly significant transfer fees when making the move to Portuguese clubs.
From promising youngsters to established internationals, these players not only carried significant price tags but also big expectations.
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In this piece, Footynaija.com takes a look at the five most expensive Nigerian transfers in Liga Portugal history and how they fared at their various clubs.
5. Umar Abubakar – €800k (Footwork FC to FC Famalicao, 2025)
At just 19 years old, Umar became one of the most talked-about Nigerian prospects when FC Famalicao secured his signature for €800,000 ahead of the 25/26 season. The young centre-forward arrives from Nigeria with a reputation for clinical finishing and intelligent movement in the box.
Although still in the early stages of his European journey, Umar has already shown flashes of his potential in pre-season and early league matches. While he’s yet to register his first goal or assist, the club’s faith in investing a record fee for such a young player suggests that Famalicao sees him as a crucial investment for the future.
4. Bruno Onyemaechi – €1.00m (Feirense to Boavista FC, 2023)
In the summer of 2023, Onyemaechi joined Boavista FC in a €1 million move from Feirense after an impressive loan spell. A modern left-back known for his tireless engine and ability to contribute in both attack and defense, Bruno quickly became a fixture in Boavista’s starting XI.
In his first season, he provided crucial assists and helped the team secure several vital clean sheets. Individual honors eluded him but his consistency on the flank was instrumental in stabilizing Boavista’s defense and aiding their push towards mid-table security. His influence at the Portuguese club makes the transfer fee look like a bargain in hindsight.
3. Emmanuel Amunike – €1.75m (Zamalek to Sporting CP, 1994)
One of Nigeria’s golden generation stars, Amunike made waves when he joined Sporting CP in 1994 for €1.75 million. Arriving fresh off his heroics at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations, Amunike slotted in as a dynamic left winger. During his time in Lisbon, he scored 12 goals and recorded 7 assists across all competitions.
His performances helped Sporting lift the Taca de Portugal (Portuguese Cup), and he was a fan favourite for his explosive pace and direct attacking style. Unfortunately, recurring injuries limited his long-term impact, but his brief spell, which produced 17 goals in 52 outings, still stands out as one of the most exciting for a Nigerian in Portugal.
2. Zaidu Sanusi – €4.00m (Santa Clara to FC Porto, 2020)
In 2020, Sanusi swapped Santa Clara for FC Porto in a €4 million deal, a move that would elevate his career to new heights. The Nigerian left-back settled quickly at one of Portugal’s biggest clubs, becoming a vital cog in Sergio Conceicao’s system.
Widely known for his overlapping runs and defensive tenacity, Zaidu has contributed 7 goals and an assist in all competitions since his arrival. More importantly, he has been part of a Porto squad that won the Primeira Liga title and the Taca de Portugal.
1. Chidozie Awaziem – €5.00m (Porto to Boavista FC, 2021)
Topping the list is Awaziem, whose €5 million transfer to Boavista FC in the 2021/22 season made him the most expensive Nigerian signing in Liga Portugal history. A strong, ball-playing center-back, Awaziem, who enjoyed a decent loan spell at Boavista prior to signing permanently was surprisingly loaned out to Turkish Super Lig side Antalyaspor.
Despite enjoying a successful loan spell in Turkey, Awaziem yet again was forced to spend another season away on loan, this time, at Croatian club Hajduk Split. After another successful season away on loan, the Nigerian defender got his opportunity with Boavista. However, he failed to replicate the form he showed while away on loan. Awaziem left Boavista for MLS based FC Cincinnati in 2024.
