Super Eagles duo, Tolu Arokodare and Raphael Onyedika have been nominated for the Best African Player award in the Belgian Pro League, following their impressive performances this season.
They are shortlisted alongside Genk’s Moroccan winger Zakaria El Ouahdi and – Union Saint Gilloise pair Promise David (eligible for the award due to his Nigerian descent) and DR Congo international Noah Sadiki.
Arokodare currently tops the Belgian Pro League scoring chart with 20 goals in 36 appearances, along with five assists.
His standout form earned him a first – call up to the Nigerian national team in March by current coach Eric Chelle, and he featured as a substitute in World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Onyedika has been a key player in midfield for Nicky Hayen’s Club Brugge, starting 27 of the 31 league matches he played despite missing a few due to injury and suspension. He also represented Nigeria in the qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.
Five Nigerians have previously claimed the award: Daniel Amokachi (twice), Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu—the-most recent winner in 2021, ending a 25 year drought for Nigerians.
The awards ceremony is set to take place in Brussels on Monday, May 12.
