Super Eagles forward and KRC Genk striker, Tolu Arokodare, has been named the winner of the 2024/25 Ebony Shoe Award in Belgium, an honour given annually to the best African player in the Belgian league.
The 24-year-old clinched the prestigious accolade on Monday, following an outstanding season in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League where he netted 20 goals, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the competition.
Arokodare was instrumental in helping Genk finish at the top of the table in the regular season, although their form faltered during the championship play-offs.
With this recognition, Arokodare becomes the seventh Nigerian to win the Ebony Shoe Award, following in the footsteps of Paul Onuachu, who last claimed it in 2021. Other past Nigerian winners include Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Opara, and Celestine Babayaro.
He beat out tough competition for the award, including Union St. Gilloise’s Noah Sidiki, his Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, fellow Union player Promise David, and compatriot Raphael Onyedika.
Born in Festac Town, Lagos, Arokodare made his debut for the Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, in 2025. He came off the bench for Victor Osimhen during a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda and later featured in a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe in the same campaign.
