After a standout loan spell in the USL Championship, Nigerian striker Tani Oluwaseyi has returned to Minnesota United FC with a renewed contract and high expectations. Following his prolific performances last season, where he ranked among the top scorers in the league, Oluwaseyi is proving his value in Major League Soccer. Despite limited starts, the forward has already made an impact, and his continued form could secure him a new deal and a significant salary boost. Kick Off Nigeria looks into the player’s finances.
Tani Oluwaseyi’s Salary at Minnesota United FC
Oluwaseyi’s current contract with Minnesota United FC runs until December 31, 2024. For this season, the Nigerian forward will earn €64,441 annually, equivalent to €1,343 weekly. This represents a career-high salary for the 23-year-old, marking a significant step forward in his professional earnings.
|
Annual Salary |
€ 64,441 |
78,228,490 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Monthly Salary |
€ 5,370 |
6,519,243 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Weekly Salary |
€ 1,343 |
1,630,485 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Daily Salary |
€ 192 |
233,100 Nigerian Nairas |
Among the Lowest-Paid Nigerian Players in MLS
While Oluwaseyi’s salary has increased, he remains one of the lowest-paid Nigerian players in Major League Soccer. In comparison, Sunusi Ibrahim of CF Montreal earns nearly three times more, while Obinna Nwobodo of FC Cincinnati tops the list among Nigerians in the league with over €1 million annually.
|
Player |
Country |
Age |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Bongokuhle Hlongwane |
South Africa |
23 |
€ 519,143 |
|
Sang-bin Jeong |
South Korea |
21 |
€ 508,019 |
|
Joseph Rosales |
Honduras |
23 |
€ 79,210 |
|
Tani Oluwaseyi |
Nigeria |
23 |
€ 64,441 |
|
Devin Padelford |
United States |
21 |
€ 62,446 |
At Minnesota United FC, Oluwaseyi ranks 17th in overall salary, making him the lowest-paid African player on the team. South African winger Bongokuhle Hlongwane, for example, earns over eight times more than Oluwaseyi. However, the young forward’s promising performances could soon narrow this gap.
|
Player |
Country |
Club |
Annual Salary (EUR) |
|
Obinna Nwobodo |
Nigeria |
FC Cincinnati |
€ 1,070,733 |
|
Ibrahim Aliyu |
Nigeria |
Houston Dynamo FC |
€ 393,996 |
|
Willy Agada |
Nigeria |
Sporting Kansas City |
€ 208,584 |
|
Sunusi Ibrahim |
Nigeria |
CF Montreal |
€ 185,408 |
|
Tani Oluwaseyi |
Nigeria |
Minnesota United FC |
€ 64,441 |
Career Salary Growth
Oluwaseyi’s career trajectory has seen notable financial progress. During his loan stint at San Antonio FC in the USL Championship, his earnings dipped slightly, but his return to Minnesota United FC brought a €11,500 increase in annual pay, reaching the highest salary of his career.
|
Club |
Salary Euro per Year (EUR) |
Salary Nigerian Nairas per Year (NGN) |
|
Minnesota United FC (2024) |
€ 64,441 |
78,228,490 Nigerian Nairas |
|
San Antonio FC (2023) |
〜€ 52,970 |
〜64,306,202 Nigerian Nairas |
|
Minnesota United FC (2022) |
€ 60,721 |
73,716,007 Nigerian Nairas |
Rising Market Value
Oluwaseyi’s market value has grown significantly, thanks to his stellar performances in the USL Championship. During his loan with San Antonio FC, he recorded 26 goal involvements, helping his team succeed while elevating his reputation. Upon his return to MLS, his market value increased sevenfold, reaching €350,000, the highest it has ever been.
|
Club |
Year |
Market Value |
|
San Antonio FC/ Minnesota United FC |
2023 (November) |
€ 350,000 |
|
San Antonio FC |
2023 (May) |
€ 175,000 |
|
Minnesota United FC |
2022 |
€ 50,000 |
International Representation
Born in Nigeria and raised in Canada, Oluwaseyi is eligible to represent both nations at the international level. However, he has yet to be called up by either national team, leaving his international future open.
Prospects at Minnesota United FC
In the 2024 season, Oluwaseyi has primarily been used as a substitute but has already contributed key goals and assists that have earned Minnesota United FC crucial points. If he can maintain his productivity and help the team secure a playoff spot, it’s likely that the club will consider extending his contract with improved terms.
Tani Oluwaseyi is steadily building his reputation in MLS, and with his upward trajectory, he could soon rise to prominence as one of the league’s notable Nigerian talents.
