After a long spell of hard work and determination, Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has finally made a name for himself name in Belgian football, claiming the prestigious 2025 Ebony Shoe Award at a ceremony held in Belgium on Monday night.
The in-form striker for Genk has enjoyed a stellar season, netting an impressive 20 league goals and providing six crucial assists, Footballrover reports.
His outstanding performances saw the Nigerian international beat a strong list of contenders to clinch the coveted award, which recognizes the best African player in Belgium’s top flight for the 2024/25 season.
Tolu Arokodare: The Latest Super Eagles Star to Shine with the Ebony Shoe
Arokodare triumphed over notable players including his Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi (Morocco), Union Saint-Gilloise duo Noah Sadiki (DR Congo) and Promise David (Canada), as well as Club Brugge and fellow Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika.
This victory marks Arokodare as the sixth Nigerian to receive the Ebony award. The last Nigerian to win the award was Paul Onuachu in 2021, also during his successful spell with KRC Genk.
Ebony Shoe Glory: Following the Footsteps of Super Eagles Greats
Belgium’s rich footballing connection with Africa laid the foundation for the Award, an annual honour celebrating the most outstanding African talents in the Belgian league.
This year, Super Eagles newcomer Tolu rose above his competitors to be crowned the winner, adding his name to an esteemed list of Nigerian players who have previously lifted the award.
For Nigeria, six players, including Tolu, have now won the Ebony award.
The pioneering Nigerian winner was Super Eagles legend Daniel Amokachi, who claimed the award in 1992 while playing for Club Brugge.
Victor Ikpeba followed suit in 1993 with RFC Liège.
Amokachi then secured his second title in 1994, before Godwin Okpara (Aalst) and Celestine Babayaro (Anderlecht) continued Nigeria’s dominance with wins in 1995 and 1996, making it five consecutive victories for Nigerian players.
After a 25-year gap, Paul Onuachu reignited Nigerian success in the black Shoe race in 2021, following a remarkable season with Genk.
Now, in 2025, Tolu Arokodare proudly joins this elite group of Super Eagles who have been recognized with the prestigious Ebony Shoe Award.
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