Super Eagles forward Tolu Arokodare has been awarded the 2024/25 Ebony Shoe, recognizing him as the best African player in Belgium's top-tier football league. This accolade follows a standout season with KRC Genk, where Arokodare netted 20 goals and provided five assists in 35 league appearances .
The Ebony Shoe is an annual award presented to the best footballer of African descent in the Belgian top-flight. Arokodare's exceptional performance saw him surpass fellow nominees, including compatriot Raphael Onyedika of Club Brugge, Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, Union Saint-Gilloise's Noah Sadiki, and Promise David .
This achievement marks Arokodare as the sixth Nigerian to receive the Ebony Shoe, joining the ranks of Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu . His remarkable season not only earned him this prestigious award but also contributed significantly to Genk's campaign, where they led the league from August to April before finishing third after a challenging playoff round .
Arokodare's success in Belgium has also propelled him onto the international stage, earning his debut for the Nigerian national team in 2025 .