Hamzat Ojediran’s Salary at RC Lens – Is the Nigerian Star Underpaid in Ligue 1?

After a standout season in Hungary, young talent Hamzat Ojediran now has the chance to test himself in one of Europe’s top leagues. The Nigerian midfielder is currently adapting to the challenges of Ligue 1 while also dealing with injuries and strong competition for a starting spot. Kick Off Nigeria dives into the player’s finances 

What is Hamzat Ojediran’s Salary at RC Lens?

The former Nigerian youth international midfielder joined RC Lens in the summer of 2024, signing a contract that runs until June 30, 2028. Over his four-year stay in France, Ojediran will earn €480,000 before bonuses. For the 2024/25 season, he will receive €120,000 per year, which translates to €2,308 per week

Team Salary Overview: Ojediran Among the Top Five Highest-Paid U21 Players

For the 2024/25 season, RC Lens’ total wage bill amounts to €22,280,000, or €428,462 per week. The club’s highest-paid player is M’Bala Nzola, an Angolan international on loan from ACF Fiorentina, earning €2,730,000 per year or €52,500 per week.

Hamzat Ojediran ranks 26th in the salary standings, making him one of the lowest-paid players at the club. Among RC Lens’ African players, he holds the eighth-highest salary, just below Moroccan midfielder Neil El Aynaoui, who earns €30,000 more.

However, the Nigerian ranks among the top five highest-paid U21 players at RC Lens. The only player younger than him in this ranking is 18-year-old Bosnian midfielder Nidal Celik, who earns nearly four times more than Ojediran

Nevertheless, Hamzat Ojediran ranks fifth among the highest-paid Nigerians in Ligue 1. Ahead of him by one position, AS Monaco FC’s George Ilenikhena earns nearly six times more.

Career Salary Comparison

After signing with RC Lens, the Nigerian midfielder’s salary reached €120,000, the highest in his career to date.

Market Value: Rapid Rise After Moving to France

The young Nigerian’s transfer value began to rise after a quality season in Hungary. As a key player in the 23/24 season, Ojediran recorded six goal involvements for Debreceni VSC, which increased his transfer fee by more than 1.5 times. In just half a year at RC Lens, the midfielder’s value has grown another fivefold, reaching its peak. Transfermarkt currently values the Nigerian footballer at €2 million.

National Team and Achievements

Hamzat Ojediran first played for the Nigeria U17 national team in the fall of 2019 at the U-17 World Cup in Brazil. The midfielder was a key player at the tournament, helping them reach the round of 16. However, despite playing in less prominent leagues, Ojediran has never been called up to the senior Nigerian national team. The midfielder’s team achievements also include the Albanian Cup, won in the 22/23 season. Additionally, after the 23/24 season, the Nigerian received the title of “Player of the Season” for Debreceni VSC.

Football and Financial Prospects

In the 2024/2025 season, Hamzat Ojediran is mainly a substitute. In addition, the midfielder missed several matches due to a hamstring injury. However, the Nigerian has already scored a goal for RC Lens. If Ojediran can adapt to the team’s game and help them secure a high table position, he could receive a contract on improved terms and potentially earn a call-up to the senior Nigerian national team.