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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
