BRUSSELS, Belgium — Nigerian striker and KRC Genk forward Tolu Arokodare has been named the winner of the prestigious 2024/25 Ebony Shoe Award, honouring the best African player in the Belgian Pro League.
The award, announced on Monday, crowns a standout season for the 24-year-old Super Eagles striker, who scored 20 goals to finish as the league’s second-highest scorer. His contributions were instrumental in helping Genk secure the top spot during the regular season, although the team faltered during the championship play-offs.
Arokodare becomes the seventh Nigerian to win the Ebony Shoe, following in the footsteps of previous recipients such as Paul Onuachu (2021), Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Opara, and Celestine Babayaro.
He edged out strong contenders for the award, including Union St. Gilloise’s Noah Sidiki, Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, Union SG forward Promise David, and fellow Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge.
Born in Festac Town, Lagos, Arokodare made his debut for the Super Eagles in 2025 during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, replacing Victor Osimhen. He also featured in Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe days later as part of the same qualification campaign.
The Ebony Shoe Award is presented annually to the best African or African-origin player in Belgium’s top-flight league, as judged by coaches, journalists, and football personalities.
