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One from Nigeria, say, most wealthy, welcomed by a follower (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

african

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'one from nigeria' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'most wealthy welcomed by a follower' is the wordplay.
'most wealthy' becomes 'ric' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'welcomed by' indicates putting letters inside (letters welcomed inside).
'follower' becomes 'fan' (fan is a kind of follower).
'a'+'fan'='afan'
'ric' going into 'afan' is 'AFRICAN'.

'say' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for african that I've seen before include "From one continent" , "Person from, eg, Congo" , "For example, Algerian" , "Bogart's Queen" , "Person from south of the Mediterranean" .)

I've seen this clue in The Hindu.
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