The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has undergone a dramatic financial transformation over the last few seasons. With increased television coverage, the return of legendary Super Eagles stars, and the rise of professionally managed private clubs, the “domestic game” is finally seeing the kind of money that can keep talent at home.
In this report, we dive into the numbers behind the 2025/2026 season—from the most valuable squads to the players taking home the biggest paychecks.
The Giants of Valuation: Most Valuable Clubs
While historical success often dictates “prestige,” market value is dictated by the quality and depth of the playing squad. As of early 2026, Kano Pillars sits comfortably at the top of the pyramid.
Rank
Club <> Squad Market Value
1. Kano Pillars – €550,000
2. Abia Warriors – €175,000
3. Remo Stars FC – €150,000
4. Enyimba FC – €100,000
5. Plateau United – €100,000
Kano Pillars’ dominance in value is largely attributed to their ability to attract and retain high-profile players. Meanwhile, Remo Stars continues to prove that private investment and modern infrastructure are the keys to long-term financial stability in Nigerian football.
Breaking the Bank: The Top Earners
The days of Nigerian players earning “peanuts” are slowly fading. While the gap between the NPFL and the South African PSL remains wide, the ceiling in Nigeria has been shattered.
The Ahmed Musa Factor
The biggest story of the 2025/2026 season remains Ahmed Musa. By choosing to play his veteran years at home, he hasn’t just brought fans to the stands; he has brought a European-style wage structure. Earning between ₦3,000,000 and ₦5,000,000 monthly, Musa earns nearly triple what the next highest player takes home.
The Top 5 Wage Bills
- Ahmed Musa (Kano Pillars): ~₦4,000,000/mo
- Sikiru Alimi (Remo Stars): ₦1,300,000/mo
- Junior Lokosa (Various): ₦1,000,000/mo
- Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars): ₦900,000/mo
- Chukwuemeka Obioma (Enyimba): ₦800,000/mo
The Shift: Private vs. Government Ownership
A significant trend in 2026 is the reliability of payment. While state-owned clubs like Enyimba and Plateau United remain competitive, private entities like Remo Stars have become more attractive to players.
”Players now value the certainty of a ₦600k salary paid on the 25th of every month over a ₦1M salary from a state club that might be three months in arrears,” says one league analyst.
The NPFL board has also implemented a strict minimum wage of ₦150,000, ensuring that even the youngest prospects have a livable wage, a move that has drastically reduced the “player drain” to obscure leagues in Eastern Europe and Asia.
The NPFL is no longer just a developmental league; it is becoming a destination. With squads nearing the €1M valuation mark and star players earning millions of Naira monthly, the business of football in Nigeria is finally beginning to match the passion in the stands.
