Victor Boniface’s move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2023 was one of the biggest headlines involving a Nigerian player in German football, but he is not the only Super Eagles star to have commanded a hefty transfer fee in Germany.
Over the years, several Nigerians have sealed high-profile deals to Bundesliga clubs, with price tags reflecting their growing reputation across Europe.
In this article, Footynaija.com counts down the eight most expensive Nigerian transfers in German football history.
Related Post
8. Victor Ikpeba – €6.00m
In 1999, former African Footballer of the Year Victor Ikpeba moved to Borussia Dortmund from Monaco for €6 million. At 26, the Super Eagles forward was expected to light up Germany, but struggled to settle in the Bundesliga.
7. Sunday Oliseh – €7.50m
Borussia Dortmund splashed €7.5 million on defensive midfielder Sunday Oliseh in the 2000/01 season. The former Ajax and Juventus man brought steel to Dortmund’s midfield, aged 25 at the time.
6. Taiwo Awoniyi – €8.55m
In 2021, Union Berlin secured the signature of 23-year-old Taiwo Awoniyi from Liverpool for €8.55 million. It proved a brilliant deal, as the striker bagged 15 Bundesliga goals before his big Premier League move.
5. Gift Orban – €9.00m
Just ahead of the 2024/25 season, Hoffenheim paid €9 million to sign 22-year-old Nigerian-Togolese forward Gift Orban. The powerful finisher had made waves in Belgium and arrived in Germany with a big reputation.
4. Obafemi Martins – €10.50m
Wolfsburg snapped up Obafemi Martins from Newcastle United in 2009 for €10.5 million. At 24, the electric forward added flair and pace to the German side after his spell in the Premier League and Serie A.
3. Ademola Lookman – €18.00m
Ademola Lookman, then 21, joined RB Leipzig in the 2019/20 season for €18 million after an impressive loan stint. The Anglo-Nigerian winger showed flashes of brilliance but later left for Serie A.
2. Victor Boniface – €22.60m
Bayer Leverkusen paid €22.6 million for 22-year-old Victor Boniface in the 2023/24 season. The striker made an instant impact, becoming a fan favourite and leading the line as Leverkusen challenged on all fronts.
1. Nathan Tella – €23.30m
Topping the list is Nathan Tella, who joined Bayer Leverkusen in the same 2023/24 window as Boniface. The 24-year-old winger cost €23.3 million, and his versatility and work rate added another dimension to Die Werkself.
