Tolu Arokodare wins Belgium’s Ebony Shoe, sixth Nigerian recipient

Posted : 13 May 2025

Tolu Arokodare has concluded an outstanding personal season with Belgian club Genk by clinching the 2025 Ebony Shoe award, a prestigious honor recognizing the top-performing player of African heritage in Belgium’s first division. The Nigerian forward’s stellar campaign made him a standout among the league’s brightest talents.

The 24-year-old emerged as the winner ahead of four other strong contenders. These included his Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, who represents Morocco, the Union Saint-Gilloise pair of Noah Sadiki (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Promise David (Canada), and Club Brugge’s Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika.

Throughout the Jupiler Pro League season, Arokodare proved to be a reliable goalscorer, notching 20 goals and contributing six assists under the stewardship of coach Thorsten Fink. His sharp instincts in front of goal were also on display in the Belgian Cup, where he found the net twice more, highlighting his all-round attacking prowess.

Arokodare’s club performances didn’t go unnoticed by the Nigerian national team. Head coach Eric Chelle rewarded his form with a first call-up in March, bringing him into the Super Eagles setup for their FIFA World Cup qualifiers. He made his international debut as a substitute against Rwanda and was given another runout against Zimbabwe.

The Ebony Shoe was officially awarded to Arokodare during the 2025 African Awards Gala held at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels. By winning the award, he becomes the sixth Nigerian to receive the accolade, following in the footsteps of legends such as Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and most recently, Paul Onuachu in 2021.

Established in 1992 by African Culture Promotion, the Ebony Shoe was created to spotlight African excellence in Belgian football, particularly at a time when such contributions were often overlooked. The winner is selected by a jury that includes Belgian league coaches, the national team manager, journalists, and special honorary members. The award’s rich history includes past winners like Vincent Kompany, Dieumerci Mbokani, and Mbark Boussoufa, who holds the record with three wins.

With the season not yet over and two matches still to be played, Arokodare remains a strong contender for the league’s Golden Boot. Whether or not he claims that prize, 2025 has already marked a landmark year in his career, one that could shape his trajectory for seasons to come.

Tolu Arokodare wins Belgium’s Ebony Shoe, sixth Nigerian recipient

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