Tolu Arokodare of KRC Genk with Daniel Braganca of Sporting CP (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
Genk and Nigeria striker Tolu Arokodare has charged youngsters to believe in their dreams and work hard after he became the 34th winner of the Ebony Shoe for the Best African Player in Belgium for the 2024–25 season.
Arokodare, during an exclusive interview with RG, was ecstatic after becoming the sixth Nigerian player in history to claim the Ebony Shoe, presented by Vincent Kompany’s father, Pierre.
He joins the likes of Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu on the prestigious list of Nigerian winners.
He saw off competition from compatriot Raphael Onyedika, DR Congo’s Noah Sadiki, Moroccan teammate Zakaria El Ouahdi, and former Nigeria youth star Promise David, who is set to play for Canada.
“I’m happy, I’m very happy. I’m speechless at the same time, but I’m very grateful and very honoured because this is a lot,” Arokodare told RG.
“I heard that I’m the sixth Nigerian to be winning this, and it’s a huge accomplishment for me in my career to be able to put my name in the history books of Belgian football and also Nigerian football.”
From Festac to Stardom
Arokodare’s exploits in the Belgian top-flight have been crucial to Genk’s title challenge this season, and he is the league’s top scorer with 20 goals in 38 matches.
The 24-year-old recalled how he started his football career in Nigeria with local academies in his boyhood town, Festac, before earning trials in Europe and signing his maiden professional contract with Latvian club Valmiera.
Following loan stints at Cologne and Amiens before moving to Genk, the Super Eagles forward developed his game significantly, and he is now urging aspiring footballers to dream big and put in the hard work.
“If Tolu who was playing football in Festac, 402 Road or 23 Road or 22 Road, if Tolu can do this and many more, then there’s nothing you cannot do,” he added.
“I also want to say a big thank you to my coach, Thurston Fink. He’s also one of the reasons why I’ve had an exceptional season. I want to say a big thank you to you. Thank you very much for all you’ve done for me.”
Dedicated to Genk and Nigeria
Arokodare’s success this season has reportedly attracted attention from top European clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
He feels this recognition could be a stepping stone to greater personal achievements and dedicated the prestigious award to all his supporters.
“I mean, check the names. These are the big, big names in football. We know what they’ve all done for Nigerian football internationally and for their national teams, their clubs, and everything,” he continued.
Genk are nine points behind leaders Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in the Belgian Championship playoffs, but Arokodare hopes to end a memorable 2024–25 campaign on a high note against Gent and Anderlecht in their final two matches of the season.
Taiye Taiwo
