Super Eagles striker Tolu crowned winner 2025 Ebony Shoe Award

Super Eagles and KRC Genk striker, Tolu Arokodare, has been crowned the winner of the 2025 Ebony Shoe Award, becoming the latest Nigerian to receive the prestigious honour in Belgian football.

The award, which recognises the best player of African descent in the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, was presented at the African Awards 2025 gala held at the Tangla Hotel in Brussels on Monday.

Arokodare’s stellar performance this season—scoring 20 goals and providing six assists—has been instrumental in Genk’s campaign, with two match days still to play. The 24-year-old remains in the running to become the league’s top scorer for the season.

His win places him among an elite group of Nigerian footballers who have previously claimed the Ebony Shoe, including Daniel Amokachi (1992, 1994), Victor Ikpeba (1993), Godwin Okpara (1995), Celestine Babayaro (1996), and Paul Onuachu (2021).

The Ebony Shoe Award is decided by a jury comprising coaches of all league clubs, the Belgium national team manager, sports journalists, and honorary jurors. It continues to celebrate the impact of African talent in the Belgian league.

Source: African Awards 2025 Gala, Belgian Jupiler Pro League