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Three players of Nigerian descent – Tolu Arokodare, Raphael Onyedika, and Promise David – have been shortlisted for the 2025 Ebony Shoe, awarded annually to the best player of African origin in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League, Footynaija.com reports.
They are joined on the five-man shortlist by DR Congo international Noah Sadiki of Union Saint-Gilloise and Moroccan winger Zakaria El Ouahdi, who has impressed for Racing Genk.
Arokodare, 24, has been in sparkling form for Genk this season, scoring 20 goals and registering five assists in 35 league appearances as the Limburg-based club pursued their fifth Belgian title. The former Amiens star earned his first two Super Eagles caps during the last FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Super Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika, now in his third season with Club Brugge, also made the shortlist after catching the eye with his consistent performances. A product of FC Ebedei, the 23-year-old contributed two goals and two assists in 47 appearances across all competitions, playing a crucial role in Brugge’s domestic and European campaigns — including helping the side reach the Champions League knockout rounds.
— Pro League (@ProLeagueBE) April 21, 2025
Promise David, who switched international allegiance from Nigeria to Canada earlier this year, enjoyed a standout season with Union Saint-Gilloise. The 22-year-old forward produced 16 goals and four assists in just 29 league appearances, displaying his attacking flair and sharp instincts in front of goal.
The 34th edition of the Ebony Shoe ceremony will take place on Monday, 12 May at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels.
Should any of the three players win, they would follow in the footsteps of notable Nigerian recipients such as Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu.
Paul Onuachu was the last Nigerian winner of the award in 2021 with the duo of Victor Boniface and Gift Orban missing out to Burundi’s Mike Trésor in 2023.
