Nigerian forward, Tolu Arokodare, has been awarded the prestigious 2024/25 Ebony Shoe Award in Belgium, recognizing him as the best African player in the country for this season.
The 24-year-old, who plays for KRC Genk, secured the award on Monday after an impressive campaign, scoring 20 goals in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League.
Arokodare ranks as the second-highest goal scorer in the competition, contributing significantly to Genk’s success in topping the regular season.
However, their progress in the championship play-offs was hindered.
With this achievement, Arokodare joins an elite group of Nigerian footballers who have won the Ebony Shoe, following in the footsteps of Paul Onuachu, who claimed the honor in 2021.
Other notable Nigerian winners include Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Opara, and Celestine Babayaro.
Born in Festac Town, Lagos, Arokodare made his Super Eagles debut in 2025, replacing Victor Osimhen in a 2026 World Cup qualification match against Rwanda.
- Just a few days later, he played again in a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe during the same qualification series.
