Nigeria and Genk striker Tolu Arokodare wins Belgium's Ebony Shoe
- Andrew Olsson
- May 12
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12
Tolu Arokodare has been recognized for an excellent 2024-25 season with KRC Genk after winning Belgium's prestigious Ebony Shoe, awarded to the best player of African descent in Belgian football.
Arokodare beat out four other strong candidates which included Moroccan club teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, DR Congo national team player Noah Sadiki (Union SG), Canada's Promise David (Union SG) and Nigeria national teammate Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge).
The 24-year-old towering striker produced 20 league goals and 5 assists for Genk who are set for a third place finish in Belgium's top flight Jupiler Pro League. Arokodare also added two goals in five Belgian Cup games.
His outstanding form this season for Genk was recognized by Nigeria coach Eric Chelle, who called in Arokodore for Nigeria's two FIFA World Cup qualifying games in March. Arokodare made his debut as a substitute against Rwanda before also coming off the bench against Zimbabwe.
The Ebony Shoe is an award that has been given to many of Africa's top footballers. Arokodare follows in the footsteps of countrymen Paul Onuachu, Celestine Babayaro, Daniel Amokachi (twice), Godwin Okpara and Victor Ikpeba who all won the award during time spent in Belgian football. Arokodare succeeds current Togo and FC Cincinnati striker Kévin Denkey who won the award last season.
The transfer rumors continue to swirl around Arokodare who appears set for a big-money move. He made his name in Latvian football with Valmiera, where he began an astronomical rise that took him to FC Köln and then French club Amiens before moving to Genk midway through the 2022-23 season.
Arokodare and Genk are next in action at Genk on May 18, where they will look to clinch third place on the Jupiler Pro League table and qualification for the UEFA Europa League.
