Arokodare, Onyedika, forward who switched from Nigeria to Canada, 2 others vie for Ebony Shoe

Three players of Nigerian descent — Tolu Arokodare, Promise David, and Raphael Onyedika — have been nominated for the prestigious Ebony Shoe Award following their outstanding performances in the Belgian Pro League this season.

They are joined by two other standout players: Congolese midfielder Noah Sadiki of Royale Union Saint-Gilloise and Moroccan winger Zakaria El Ouahdi of Racing Genk.

Tolu Arokodare has been a key figure in Racing Genk’s push for a fifth league title. The 24-year-old striker contributed twenty goals and five assists across 35 league appearances.

Meanwhile, Raphael Onyedika continued to shine in his third season with Club Brugge. 

The FC Ebedei product not only impressed in domestic competition but was instrumental in Brugge’s Champions League campaign, helping the side reach the knockout stages.

He has scored two goals and provided two assists in 47 matches across all competitions, helping Brugge maintain a lead over Genk in the Championship playoff standings.

Promise David also made a name for himself with a stellar season at Union St. Gilloise. 

The Canadian-Nigerian striker delivered an impressive 20 goal contributions — 16 goals and 4 assists — in just 29 league appearances.

A former Nigeria U23 international, David's request to switch his allegiance from Nigeria to Canada was approved by Fifa in February 2025.

The Ebony Shoe is an annual award presented to the best footballer of African descent in the Jupiler Pro League

Now in its 34th edition, the Ebony Shoe ceremony is set to take place on Monday, May 12, at Hotel Tangla in Brussels.

Should any of the Nigerian-descent players win, they would join an elite group of past Nigerian winners including Victor Ikpeba, Daniel Amokachi, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu.

Adeyemi Adewale

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