Raphael Onyedika has been shortlisted for the Ebony Boot, recognising the best African player in the Belgian Pro League, marking his second consecutive nomination for the award. The Club Brugge midfielder is among five players in contention, following a strong season in central midfield. He faces competition from Promise David of Union Saint-Gilloise, his teammate Adem Zorgane, Zakaria El Ouahdi from Genk, and Parfait Guiagon of Charleroi. The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on May 4.
Last season, Tolu Arokodare claimed the honour after finishing as the league's top scorer with 21 goals for KAA Gent. His performance placed him alongside legendary Nigerian recipients like Godwin Okpara, Victor Ikpeba, and Celestine Babayaro. Onyedika was also on the shortlist that year but missed out despite consistent performances in Club Brugge's engine room.
Now in his second full season with Club Brugge, Onyedika has featured regularly in both domestic and European competitions. His ability to control tempo, break up play, and contribute defensively has made him a key figure under manager Nicky Hayen. While he has not matched Arokodare's goal tally, his influence in midfield has been widely acknowledged across the league.
That a midfielder is in contention for an award typically dominated by forwards and attacking players speaks volumes about the shift in how African contributions in Belgium are being evaluated. Onyedika's nomination reflects a growing appreciation for defensive intelligence and work rate, not just goal tallies.
His presence on the list, despite scoring fewer than five goals this season, underscores a tactical evolution in how African players are being utilised in European leagues. While Arokodare won the award through sheer offensive output, Onyedika's case is built on consistency, positional discipline, and influence in transition — qualities often overlooked in such accolades. This signals a broader recognition that impact in football extends beyond the scoresheet.
For Nigerian fans, Onyedika's nomination offers a different kind of pride — one rooted in resilience and understated excellence. As a regular in the Super Eagles midfield, his development in Belgium strengthens Nigeria's options in central roles, especially with the 2025 AFCON qualifiers underway.
If Onyedika wins, he would become the first Nigerian midfielder to do so, setting a new benchmark for future nominees from Africa.
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