Tolu Arokodare has etched his name into the history books, becoming the sixth Nigerian footballer to win the prestigious Ebony Shoe award—an annual honour given to the best player of African descent in Belgium’s top flight.
The 24-year-old Genk striker enjoyed a phenomenal 2024/25 campaign, scoring 20 goals and providing six assists in the Jupiler Pro League under the guidance of coach Thorsten Fink. He also chipped in with two goals in the Belgian Cup, delivering consistent performances that caught the eyes of fans, pundits, and national selectors alike.
A Landmark Season for Arokodare
Arokodare’s impressive form not only made him a fan favourite at Genk but also earned him international recognition. In March, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle handed him his long-awaited senior debut during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Arokodare came off the bench against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, marking the beginning of what could be a promising international career.
His rise reached a high point on Monday night at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels, where he was officially crowned the winner of the 2025 Ebony Shoe during the African Awards Gala.
Outshining Tough Competition
Arokodare’s path to the Ebony Shoe was anything but easy. He saw off strong competition from Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi (Morocco), Union Saint-Gilloise’s Noah Sadiki (DR Congo) and Promise David (Canada), and Club Brugge’s Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
But it was the Nigerian’s consistency, goal-scoring prowess, and overall impact that set him apart in the eyes of the judges—a panel made up of Belgian Pro League coaches, the national team manager, sports journalists, and honorary jury members.
Joining an Elite Nigerian Club
Arokodare now joins an elite list of Nigerian stars who have previously claimed the Ebony Shoe. That list includes Daniel Amokachi (1992, 1994), Victor Ikpeba (1993), Godwin Okpara (1995), Celestine Babayaro (1996), and Paul Onuachu (2021).
The Ebony Shoe award, created in 1992 by African Culture Promotion, was founded to recognize the often-overlooked brilliance of African and African-origin players in Belgian football. Past winners include global names like Vincent Kompany, Dieumerci Mbokani, and Mbark Boussoufa—the latter winning it a record three times.
Golden Boot Next?
With two games still left in the league season, Arokodare remains firmly in contention for the Golden Boot. If he clinches it, it would be a perfect end to what is already a career-defining year.
From emerging talent to national team debutant and now an Ebony Shoe winner, Tolu Arokodare’s 2025 is shaping up to be a year Nigerian football will remember for a long time.
