Super Eagles and Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika is in contention for the 2026 Ebony Shoe award, www.aclsports.com reports.
The organisers unveiled the five-man shortlist for the prize – recognising the best African or player of African descent in the Belgian top flight – on Monday.
The 24-year-old midfielder is nominated alongside former Nigeria U23 forward Promise David—now representing Canada—as well as Zakaria El Ouahdi of Genk, Parfait Guiagon of Charleroi, and Adem Zorgane of Union Saint-Gilloise.
Onyedika has been a regular in Brugge’s midfield this term, having made 25 appearances in the Belgian Pro League, and has also made an impact in the UEFA Champions League, where he scored two goals before the club’s elimination.
Onyedika will be looking to emulate former Nigerian winners of the award, such as Daniel Amokachi, Victor Ikpeba, Godwin Okpara, Celestine Babayaro, and Paul Onuachu, all of whom have previously been honoured as the top African players in Belgium.
The Ebony Shoe winner will be unveiled on May 4 in Brussels, where a new recipient will take over from Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare, following his standout 2025 season with Genk.
