Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare has been crowned the winner of the prestigious 2025 Ebony Shoe award, recognizing him as the best African player or player of African descent in the Belgian Pro League.

The 24-year-old KRC Genk forward earned the accolade following his exceptional performances throughout the 2024/25 season, during which he has registered an impressive 22 goals and provided seven assists for the Smurfs.

Arokodare's remarkable goal-scoring prowess helped him edge out strong competition from other nominees, including Noah Sidiki of Union St.Gilloise, his Genk teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, Union Saint-Gillloise star Promise David, and fellow Nigerian international Raphael Onyedika.

With this achievement, Arokodare joins an elite group of Nigerian players who have previously claimed the Ebony Shoe award. Former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Celestine Babayaro, and Godwin Okpara are among the past Nigerian recipients of this honor.

The forward's outstanding season has not only earned him individual recognition but has also reportedly attracted interest from several European giants, with clubs like Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Newcastle United reportedly monitoring his progress.

Arokodare becomes the sixth Nigerian footballer to win the Ebony Shoe, further cementing Nigeria's rich legacy in Belgian football and highlighting the continuous export of top talent from the West African nation to European leagues.