Mr Viral
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.
Tolu Arokodare
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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.
Genk s Tolu Toluwalase Arokodare celebrates after scoring during a soccer game between Club Brugge KV and KRC Genk, Wednesday 15 January 2025 in Brugge, in the 1/2 finals of the Croky Cup Belgian soccer cup. Photo by IMAGO
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.
Nigeria Super Eagles and Genk star, Tolu Arokodare. Photo by IMAGO
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.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns into a ball of passion when writing about Nigerian football and its talents, whether rising stars or established legends, locally and abroad.
From the deepest corners of the Middle East, to the green fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the rich soils of Africa, Imhons is more than glad, usually with a glass of a tasty drink nearby, to capture the essence of the game, by connecting the dots between culture, identity, and football.
