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Tolu Arokodare has expressed his delight after writing his name into Belgian football history by winning the 2025 Ebony Shoe – the prestigious award given to the best player of African origin in the Belgian Pro League, Footynaija.com reports.
The 24-year-old KRC Genk striker becomes the sixth Nigerian to claim the honour, following in the footsteps of Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro and Paul Onuachu.
Arokodare’s impressive campaign saw him edge out stiff competition from Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi (Morocco), Union SG duo Noah Sadiki (DR Congo) and Promise David (Canada), and Nigeria international Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge.
Super Eagles’ Tolu Arokodare wins the best African player of the season in the Belgian Pro League pic.twitter.com/MoAw2MMZOE
— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) May 12, 2025
Across all competitions, Arokodare registered 22 goals and seven assists – including 20 goals in the league and two in the Belgian Cup – as he played a pivotal role in Genk’s attack under manager Thorsten Fink.
The award was presented on Monday night at the 2025 African Awards Gala held at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels.
Speaking after receiving the award, Arokodare told Sporza: “It’s a big pat on the back for me, a confirmation that I’ve played a special season. This is my award for those good performances.”
Although he previously won the Striker of the Year award, the Nigerian forward admitted this was his proudest moment yet.
“Yes, this is definitely my biggest prize so far. Although I hope that even bigger prizes are coming,” he added.
Reflecting on what the honour means for his future, he said: “I want to keep going up and that can be in any competition. If I keep working hard, I will get the chances I deserve. But I am happy that my name is in the history books.”
Founded in 1992, the Ebony Shoe is awarded by African Culture Promotion to celebrate African excellence in Belgian football.
