Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram

Kelvin Ekerete
8 Min Read

Social media has become an essential tool for athletes worldwide, allowing them to connect with fans, showcase their personalities, and build their brands.

Nigerian footballers are no exception, using platforms like Instagram to engage with millions of followers. Here’s a detailed look at some of Nigeria’s most followed footballers on Instagram and what makes them stand out.

10: Ademola Lookman – 928K

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Ademola Lookman (right)

Ademola Lookman may not be the most active on social media, but his reserved personality hasn’t hindered his popularity. Known for his calm demeanor, Lookman prefers to let his performances on the pitch do the talking. Despite his quiet approach, the Atalanta star is just a few thousand followers shy of reaching 1 million on Instagram. 

As the reigning African Footballer of the Year, Lookman’s influence is undeniable, and he’s projected to surpass the 1-million mark before the second quarter of the year.

9: Victor Boniface – 1 million

Victor Boniface
Victor Boniface (right)

Victor Boniface, fondly nicknamed “banger boy,” is one of the most engaging Nigerian footballers on Instagram. Known for his humour, witty captions, and memes, Boniface has carved a niche as both an entertainer and a footballer. 

Fans adore him not only for his stellar performances on the pitch but also for his light-hearted personality off it. A generous giver, Boniface has spent millions on giveaways for both privileged and underprivileged Nigerians, further solidifying his popularity. 

Interestingly, his online persona has influenced Bayer Leverkusen’s social media team, whose posts often mimic his style, leaving fans speculating if he’s behind some of the club’s official posts.

8: Odion Ighalo – 1.2 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Odion Ighalo

Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has maintained a strong social media presence with 1.2 million followers on Instagram. While his follower count has remained stagnant since 2023, his popularity stems from his career at clubs like Manchester United, Watford, Al Shabab, and Al Hilal. 

Over the years, Ighalo has cultivated a loyal fanbase comprising Super Eagles supporters and fans of the various clubs he has represented. He is seen posting pictures from his footballing exploits and personal life. He is a known fan of Nigerian gospel musician, Tope Alabi.

7: Asisat Oshoala – 1.2 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Asisat Oshoala… Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

Asisat Oshoala is not only one of the most followed Nigerian footballers but also the only woman on this list. With 1.2 million Instagram followers, the Super Falcons star has built a reputation for her engaging online presence. 

Fondly referred to as “Agba Baller,” Oshoala often uses her platform to celebrate the achievements of fellow Nigerian players while keeping her fans entertained. Her impressive career with clubs like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Barcelona has significantly contributed to her growing fanbase. 

Additionally, Oshoala is one of Africa’s most decorated footballers, with numerous club and national titles to her name.

6: Alex Iwobi – 1.4 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi has garnered a respectable 1.4 million Instagram followers, thanks to his performances for clubs like Arsenal, Everton, and now Fulham. Despite occasional criticism from fans regarding his on-field displays, Iwobi has managed to maintain a solid following. 

Beyond football, the 28-year-old is also known for his passion for music and is a budding rapper. As the nephew of Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, Iwobi’s family legacy has undoubtedly played a role in his popularity.

5: Ahmed Musa – 1.6 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Ahmed Musa

Ahmed Musa, Nigeria’s top scorer at the FIFA World Cup with four goals, boasts 1.6 million followers on Instagram. A beloved figure among Nigerian fans, Musa has enjoyed a storied career that has taken him from the Nigeria Premier Football League’s Kano Pillars to various clubs abroad. 

His heroics for the Super Eagles and his humble personality have made him a favorite both on and off the pitch. He is well known as a philanthropist who gives out to the needy on his social media platforms. 

4: Samuel Chukwueze – 2.2 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Samuel Chukwueze

AC Milan winger Samuel Chukwueze has 2.2 million Instagram followers, making him one of Nigeria’s most followed active players. Chukwueze’s rise to prominence began during his six seasons at Villarreal, where he dazzled fans with his skill and speed. Now in his second season with AC Milan, Chukwueze’s fanbase continues to grow, thanks to his performances in Serie A and his active engagement with fans.

He scored the winner in Milan’s 3-2 comeback win over Parma on Sunday.

3: Mikel Obi – 3.1 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Mikel Obi

John Mikel Obi may have retired four years ago, but his influence remains strong, as evidenced by his 3.1 million Instagram followers. The former Chelsea and Super Eagles legend gained worldwide recognition during his time in the Premier League with Chelsea, as well as stints at Tianjin TEDA, Middlesbrough, and Trabzonspor. 

While his decision to terminate his contract with Trabzonspor during the COVID-19 outbreak may have cost him some fans, his controversial “Obi One Podcast” has helped him maintain relevance in the last one year.

2: Henry Onyekuru – 5.7 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Henry Onyekuru

It may come as a surprise to many, but Henry Onyekuru tops this list with a staggering 5.7 million followers. Despite being out of the limelight for a while due to injury and a move away from Europe, Onyekuru’s cult status among Galatasaray fans has kept his popularity intact. 

During his time with the Turkish club, Onyekuru scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists in a total of 71 games, earning him a special place in the hearts of fans. He played three different seasons on loan with the Turkish giants.

1: Victor Osimhen – 5.7 million

Top 10 most followed Nigeria footballers on Instagram
Victor Osimhen

Victor Osimhen shares the top spot with Onyekuru, also boasting 5.7 million Instagram followers. Known for his dominant performances and electrifying presence, Osimhen’s follower count has grown rapidly, thanks to his stints at clubs like Lille, Napoli, and Galatasaray. 

As one of the most active Nigerian footballers on social media, Osimhen frequently engages with his fans and shares glimpses of his personal and professional life. A potential move to the English Premier League could see his follower count rise even further.

From quiet achievers like Ademola Lookman to social media-savvy stars like Victor Boniface, these Nigerian footballers have built strong connections with their fans through Instagram. Their unique personalities and achievements on the pitch continue to make them fan favorites worldwide.

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