Victor Osimhen’s historic switch to Galatasaray has rewritten the record books in Turkish football history. The Super Eagles forward, 26, completed a staggering €75 million move from Napoli, instantly becoming the most expensive Nigerian player ever to grace the Turkish Super Lig.
But Osimhen is not the first Nigerian to attract huge investment from Turkish giants. Over the years, Turkish football has welcomed some of Nigeria’s finest attackers, with other names commanding multi-million euro deals.
In this article, Footynaija.com counts down the most expensive Nigerian transfers in the history of the Turkish Super Lig.
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3. Paul Onuachu – €5.67m (Trabzonspor, 2025)
Paul Onuachu joined Trabzonspor permanently in the 2025/26 season after an initial loan spell (2023-24), with the Turkish side splashing €5.67 million to secure his services.
Aged 31, the 6’7” striker had previously played for Genk and Southampton before finding form in Turkey. Known for his aerial dominance and composure in the box, Onuachu’s fee makes him the third most expensive Nigerian signing in Turkish Super Lig history.
2. Emmanuel Emenike – €9.00m (Fenerbahçe, 2011)
In the 2011/12 season, Fenerbahçe paid €9 million to sign a 24-year-old Emmanuel Emenike, who was already building a reputation as a powerful forward. He faced some early challenges and later moved to Spartak Moscow.
Two years later, Emenike rejoined Fenerbahçe for a higher fee of €13 million ahead of the 2013/14 season, becoming one of the biggest signings in the league that summer. Aged 26, the Nigerian forward returned as a more experienced and complete attacker, having impressed at Spartak Moscow.
1. Victor Osimhen – €75.00m (Galatasaray, 2025)
Victor Osimhen shattered all records when he completed his move to Galatasaray for a whopping €75 million from Napoli in the 2025/26 season. Aged 26, the Super Eagles striker had already earned global recognition after firing Napoli to the 2022/23 Serie A title, dominating African football, and leading Galatasaray to a domestic double in the 2024/25 season (on loan).
Galatasaray agreed to pay the full amount to secure Osimhen’s permanent signature, making him not only the most expensive Nigerian to ever play in Turkey but also the most expensive transfer in the league’s entire history.
His arrival brought a lot of excitement to Istanbul, and he’s set to be the face of Galatasaray’s ambitious new project.
