The Belgian Pro League has been a popular destination for many budding Nigerian professional footballers, providing them with a platform to develop their careers and gain exposure on the European stage, Footynaija.com reports.
From trailblazers like Victor Ikpeba to modern-day goal machines like Tolu Arokodare, Nigerians have left their mark on Belgian football. Here’s our ranking of the top 5 Nigerian footballers in Belgian top flight history, based on their goals, assists, trophies and overall impact.
5. Victor Ikpeba (RFC Liege, Charleroi)
Ikpeba was one of the earliest Nigerian players to make a splash in Belgium. Nicknamed the “Prince of Monaco” for his later exploits in France, his European journey began at RFC Liege in 1989. Ikpeba spent four seasons at the club, where he scored 27 goals in 79 appearances and helped RFC Liege lift the Belgian Cup in the 89/90 season. His pace and sharp eye for goal made him a standout performer, and his best season came in 92/93 when he netted 17 league goals, catching the attention of AS Monaco.
More than a decade later, Ikpeba returned to Belgium for a short stint with Charleroi in 04/05, scoring five goals in 15 appearances and providing valuable experience in their fight against relegation. Although his time in Belgium was a stepping stone to greater heights, Ikpeba’s contributions remain significant in the history of Nigerian exports to the Pro League.
4. Daniel Amokachi (Club Brugge)
Amokachi, fondly known as “The Bull,” joined Club Brugge in 1990 and quickly established himself as a force of nature in attack. Over four seasons, Amokachi scored 35 goals and became a fan favourite for his powerful runs, clinical finishing and physicality that terrorized opposition defences.
While Brugge narrowly missed out on the league title during his tenure, Amokachi’s brilliance did not go unrecognised. He twice won the Ebony Shoe award—given to the best African player in Belgium—and played a crucial role in Brugge’s domestic campaigns and their European outings. His performances in Belgium paved the way for a move to Everton in 1994, where he continued to thrill fans with his signature bull-like strength and agility. Amokachi remains one of the most iconic Nigerians to ever grace the Belgian top flight.
3. Tolu Arokodare (KRC Genk)
One of the more recent Nigerian exports to Belgium, Arokodare joined KRC Genk in 2023 and has already made a massive impression. Standing at 1.93m, Arokodare is an imposing figure in the box and has emerged as a reliable target man for the club. In his first two seasons, he scored 35 goals in 91 appearances and added several assists to his name.
The 24/25 season was particularly memorable as Arokodare clinched the Ebony Shoe award and finished as joint top scorer in the Belgian Pro League. His aerial dominance and physical presence make him a nightmare for defenders and his consistency in front of goal has helped Genk maintain their status as title contenders. Still in his early twenties, Arokodare’s stock continues to rise as he looks set to follow in the footsteps of other great Nigerians who have used Belgium as a launchpad to Europe’s top five leagues.
2. Joseph Akpala (Charleroi, Club Brugge)
Akpala enjoyed a long and fruitful career in Belgium, representing both Charleroi and Club Brugge with distinction. Akpala first made his mark at Charleroi, where he scored 18 goals in the 2007–08 season and finished as one of the league’s top scorers. His exploits earned him a move to Club Brugge, where he became a key figure in their attack over several seasons.
In total, Akpala scored 76 goals and provided 22 assists in 234 Pro League matches, making him one of the most consistent Nigerian strikers in Belgian history. While team honours eluded him during his time in Belgium, Akpala’s work rate, technical ability and penchant for scoring crucial goals earned him respect and admiration from fans and teammates alike.
1. Paul Onuachu (KRC Genk)
At the top of the list is Onuachu, whose exploits with KRC Genk have elevated him to legendary status in the Jupiler Pro League. Onuachu joined Genk in January 2020 from FC Midtjylland and wasted no time making an impact. The 20/21 season was nothing short of phenomenal, as he scored 33 league goals and provided 5 assists in 38 appearances, leading Genk to a Belgian Cup triumph. That season, he swept almost every individual accolade available, including the Golden Boot, Professional Footballer of the Year, Belgian Golden Shoe and the Ebony Shoe award.
Onuachu’s combination of height (2.01m), power and clinical finishing made him virtually unplayable as he followed up with another stellar campaign in 21/22, netting 21 league goals. His dominance in Belgium set a new benchmark for Nigerian players in the league and he remains arguably the most impactful Nigerian to ever play in the Jupiler Pro League.