Tolu Arokodare: Genk striker becomes the sixth Nigerian to win Belgium’s Ebony Shoe award

Tolu Arokodare has capped off a superb individual campaign with Belgian side Genk by winning the 2025 Ebony Shoe – the prestigious award handed to the best player of African descent in Belgium’s top flight, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old Nigerian striker beat stiff competition from four other nominees, including Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi (Morocco), Union Saint-Gilloise duo Noah Sadiki (DR Congo) and Promise David (Canada), as well as Club Brugge and Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika.

Arokodare enjoyed a standout season in the Jupiler Pro League, scoring 20 league goals and providing six assists under the guidance of coach Thorsten Fink. He also netted twice in the Belgian Cup.

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Tolu Arokodare: Genk striker becomes the sixth Nigerian to win Belgium’s Ebony Shoe award

His form did not go unnoticed at international level either.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle handed Arokodare a first senior call-up in March for the Super Eagles’ FIFA World Cup qualifying matches. He made his debut off the bench against Rwanda and featured again as a substitute against Zimbabwe.

The award was officially presented during the 2025 African Awards Gala held at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels on Monday night.

Arokodare becomes the sixth Nigerian to win the Ebony Shoe, joining an illustrious list that includes Daniel Amokachi (1992, 1994), Victor Ikpeba (1993), Godwin Okpara (1995), Celestine Babayaro (1996), and Paul Onuachu (2021).

Created in 1992 by the African Culture Promotion, the Ebony Shoe aims to honour African and African-origin players excelling in Belgian football. It was founded on the belief that African talents were being overlooked for individual accolades despite their impact.

The winner is chosen by a jury comprising club coaches, the Belgium national team manager, sports journalists, and honorary judges. Notable past winners include Vincent Kompany, Dieumerci Mbokani, and Mbark Boussoufa – the latter holding a record three titles.

With two games still to play this season, Arokodare remains in the hunt for the league’s Golden Boot, capping what could become a career-defining year.