Editorials, Sports
The Social Media Stars: Most-Followed Nigerian Athletes of 2023
Discover the most-followed Nigerian athletes of 2023, from football stars to UFC champions. Explore their achievements and social media influence.
- Toyosi Afolayan
- ●26th October 2023
Nigerian athletes have been capturing the world’s attention with their incredible achievements and record-breaking performances in various sports, from football to basketball, athletics, and even MMA and combat sports. With their remarkable success, it’s no surprise that their social media following has also seen a significant surge. In this article, we will unveil the most-followed Nigerian athletes in 2023, based on their combined social media following.
This influential list is predominantly occupied by footballers from the Nigerian National Team, with a few UFC superstars making their mark as well. While male athletes dominate the list, there’s room for one remarkable female athlete who has shattered records and inspired many.
Asisat Oshoala – 2.2 million followers
Age: 29 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football
Team: FC Barcelona Femeni
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Asisat Oshoala, often referred to as ‘Agba Baller,’ is an iconic Nigerian female footballer and a five-time African women’s player of the year. She’s tasted success at both club and international levels, becoming a role model for aspiring female footballers in Nigeria and Africa. As of 2023, Oshoala is the most-followed Nigerian athlete on TikTok, and she’s also one of the richest female footballers in Nigeria.
Odion Ighalo – 2.2 million followers
Age: 34 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football
Team: Al-Wehda
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Odion Jude Ighalo, known for his remarkable career with clubs like Shanghai SIPG, Manchester United, and Al Hilal, has been one of the highest-earning Nigerian footballers. He’s an active presence on social media, connecting with fans around the world.
Ahmed Musa – 2.6 million followers
Age: 31 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football
Team: Sivasspor
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Ahmed Musa is a Super Eagles legend, known for his iconic moments on the global stage, including scoring in consecutive FIFA World Cups. Musa, who captains the Super Eagles, is the most followed male Nigerian footballer on TikTok. He’s also one of the richest Nigerian footballers and boasts a strong social media presence.
Samuel Chukwueze – 2.7 million followers
Age: 24 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football
Team: AC Milan
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Samuel Chukwueze made a high-profile move to AC Milan in the summer transfer window, significantly boosting his social media following. Despite a slow start at his new club, Chukwueze’s talent has garnered him a substantial online presence. He’s also one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.
Mikel Obi – 3.1 million followers
Age: 36 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football (Retired)
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John Mikel Obi, a hero for the Super Eagles and a Chelsea legend, is now retired but remains one of the most talented midfielders ever to don the Nigerian colors. His success at both club and international levels has earned him a significant social media following.
Alex Iwobi – 3.7 million followers
Age: 27 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football
Team: Fulham F.C
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Alex Iwobi, a mainstay in the Super Eagles, has become one of the most-followed Nigerian footballers on Instagram. His consistent performances have made him one of the highest-paid Nigerian footballers.
Victor Osimhen – 4.1 million followers
Age: 24 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football
Team: Napoli SSC
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Victor Osimhen’s impressive rise in football continues to captivate fans. He’s already a Napoli hero at just 24, having helped his team win the Scudetto in the 2022-23 season. Osimhen is one of the most-followed Nigerian footballers on Instagram and is known for his active presence on social media.
Henry Onyekuru – 4.4 million followers
Age: 26 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Footballer
Team: Al-Fahya
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Over the last three years, Henry Onyekuru has become the Instagram King of Nigerian footballers. His social media following has exceeded 4 million, thanks to his extensive travels during his career. Currently playing for Al-Fahya in the Saudi Pro League, Onyekuru’s impressive Instagram following places him among the most-followed Nigerian athletes.
Kamaru Usman – 5.6 million followers
Age: 36 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Mixed Martial Arts
Team: UFC
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Kamaru Usman, known as the Nigerian Nightmare and a former UFC welterweight champion, is the third most-followed Nigerian athlete in 2023. Since his debut in the UFC in 2015, Usman’s social media presence has grown significantly, making him one of the most-followed Nigerian athletes.
Victor Moses – 5.9 million followers
Age: 32 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Football
Team: Spartak Moscow
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Victor Moses is the undisputed most-followed Nigerian footballer on social media. He’s achieved significant success at club level with Chelsea, Inter Milan, Liverpool, and others. Moses, who was part of the Super Eagles’ 2013 AFCON-winning team, is also one of the richest Nigerian footballers in 2023.
Israel Adesanya – 14 million followers
Age: 34 (as of October 2023)
Sport: Mixed Martial Arts
Team: UFC
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Israel Adesanya, known as the Last Stylebender, is the most-followed Nigerian athlete in 2023. With over 14 million followers across major social media platforms, Adesanya is one of the biggest names in the UFC. He’s the highest-paid active fighter in the UFC division and has headlined numerous PPVs. Adesanya’s controversial nature and impressive skills have made him one of the biggest draws in the modern
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