Belgian football has long been a launchpad for Nigerian stars, and in recent years, the transfer fees have shown just how valuable these players have become.
In this article, Footynaija.com brings you the five most expensive Nigerian transfers in Belgian football history.
8. Gift Orban – €4.60m
Gent brought in Gift Orban from Stabæk during the 2022–23 season after he scored 16 goals in just 22 games in Norway. The quick and explosive striker made an instant impact in Belgium with a flurry of goals that set him up for a big-money move to Lyon just months later. Gent reportedly paid €4.60 million for the youngster.
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7. Tolu Arokodare – €5.00m
Genk paid €5 million to sign Arokodare from Amiens in early 2023 as a replacement for Paul Onuachu. The tall striker didn’t take long to win fans over, becoming Genk’s top scorer in the following season and earning the Ebony Shoe award.
6. Paul Onuachu – €6.00m
Onuachu arrived at Genk from Midtjylland in 2019 with a growing reputation and proved to be a masterstroke signing. The Super Eagles forward was signed for €6 million and scored 85 goals in 134 appearances before sealing a €21 million move to Southampton in 2023.
5. George Ilenikhena – €6.00m
In a bold move, Antwerp signed 16-year-old George Ilenikhena from Amiens ahead of the 2023–24 season. The club spent €6 million on the teenage centre-forward, who joined with dual nationality (Nigeria and France) and had already made waves in Ligue 2 as one of the top young prospects.
4. Victor Boniface – €6.10m
Union SG snapped up Boniface from Bodø/Glimt in Norway after his standout performances in European qualifiers. The Belgian club paid around €6.10 million for the Nigerian striker, who became a sensation with his strength, hold-up play and eye for goal before earning a move to Bayer Leverkusen.
3. Yira Sor – €6.50m
Genk went all in for Yira Sor, signing him from Slavia Prague during the 2022–23 season. They paid €6.50 million for the left winger, who arrived with Europa Conference League experience and brought directness, pace and goals from wide areas.
2. David Okereke – €8.16m
Club Brugge signed Okereke from Spezia in 2019 after a breakout season in Serie B. The Belgian giants spent €8.16 million to secure his services. He immediately hit the ground running in Belgium, scoring goals in league and Champions League matches.
1. Raphael Onyedika – €9.50m
Club Brugge splashed €9.5 million to bring in Onyedika from Danish club FC Midtjylland, making him the most expensive Nigerian signing into Belgium. The defensive midfielder came with Champions League experience and a growing reputation in Denmark. He added steel to Brugge’s midfield and quickly became a fan favourite with his aggression, ball-winning skills, and composure.
