Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika nominated for Belgian Ebony Shoe award

Nigerian international midfielder Raphael Onyedika has earned a nomination for the highly respected Belgian Ebony Shoe Award, following an outstanding 2026 campaign in Belgium’s top flight.

The nomination places Onyedika among an elite group of performers recognized for consistency, influence, and impact throughout the season in the Belgian Pro League, where he has continued to establish himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in the competition.

The Ebony Shoe Award, presented annually, honours the best African player or a player of African descent in Belgium. It is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious individual accolades in Belgian football, celebrating technical quality, consistency, and overall contribution to team performance.

Onyedika’s inclusion on the shortlist is a reflection of his growing reputation as a midfield anchor—known for his composure on the ball, defensive discipline, and ability to control the tempo of games. His performances this season have not only strengthened his club’s midfield stability but also drawn attention from analysts and supporters across the league.

However, the competition for the 2026 edition is fierce. Onyedika is up against a strong shortlist of talented players, including Adem Zorgane, Parfait Guiagon, Zakaria El Ouahdi, and Promise David—all of whom have delivered impressive campaigns and played key roles for their respective clubs.

Each nominee brings a unique profile to the race, with midfield control, attacking creativity, and defensive solidity all represented across the shortlist. This makes the 2026 edition of the award one of the most competitive in recent years.

For Onyedika, the nomination marks another important milestone in his European career, underlining his steady rise since moving to Belgium. His development has been closely followed by Nigerian football fans, who see him as a key figure in the future of the national team setup.

As the award ceremony approaches, attention will now turn to who will ultimately claim the coveted Ebony Shoe—an honour that has historically spotlighted some of Africa’s finest talents in European football.