Nigerian footballers have long made their mark in Ukrainian football, especially in the Premier League, where top clubs like Dynamo Kyiv and Shakhtar Donetsk have consistently invested in Nigerian talent.
In this article, Footynaija.com ranks the most expensive Nigerian signings in Ukraine’s top flight, based on transfer fees.
8. Taye Taiwo – Loan Fee: €500k
In the 2012/13 season, Dynamo Kyiv secured left-back Taye Taiwo on a season-long loan from AC Milan, paying a fee of €500,000. At 27, Taiwo brought Champions League experience and a powerful left foot to Ukraine’s capital, playing 20 matches across all competitions.
Related Post
7. Sunny Kingsley – €620k
Second striker Sunny Kingsley joined Metalurh Donetsk in 2008/09 for €620,000. At 26, he had already built a reputation in Portugal and Cyprus before arriving in Ukraine. Kingsley offered flair and link-up play in the final third during his time in the league.
6. Emmanuel Osei Okoduwa – €700k
In the 2006/07 season, Emmanuel Osei Okoduwa completed a €700,000 move to Metalurh Donetsk. Then 23, he remained a regular fixture in the league after his earlier stint at Shakhtar Donetsk.
5. Julius Aghahowa – €750k
Aged just 18, Julius Aghahowa moved to Shakhtar Donetsk in the 2000/01 season for €750,000. The move turned out to be a game-changer for both player and club. His electric pace and celebratory backflips became iconic as he scored over 30 league goals across six years.
4. Emmanuel Osei Okoduwa – €1.00m
Earlier in 2006/07, before his move to Metalurh Donetsk, Okoduwa had transferred from Arsenal Kyiv to Shakhtar Donetsk for €1 million. At 22, the centre-forward had just finished as one of the league’s top scorers, earning a move to Ukraine’s most dominant club at the time.
3. Lukman Haruna – €1.50m
In the 2011/12 season, Dynamo Kyiv signed Lukman Haruna from AS Monaco for €1.5 million. The 20-year-old central midfielder was known for his vision, passing range, and long-range strikes. He quickly became a part of Dynamo’s midfield rotation in both domestic and European matches.
2. Olarenwaju Kayode – €3.00m
Shakhtar Donetsk paid €3 million for Olarenwaju Kayode in 2018/19 after a successful loan spell. At 25, the former Austria Wien and Girona striker had proven his worth and was handed a permanent deal. He would later spend time on loan to various clubs from the Ukrainian giants.
1. Brown Ideye – €9.00m
Topping the chart is Brown Ideye’s €9 million transfer to Dynamo Kyiv in 2011/12. Signed from Sochaux at age 22, Ideye delivered immediately, scoring 34 league goals in three seasons. His performances earned him a move to West Brom in the Premier League and a regular place in the Super Eagles squad.
