Super Eagles striker Tolu Arokodare has earned a spot in the 2024–25 Belgian Pro League Team of the Season (Golden XI), recognising his standout performances with KRC Genk this campaign.
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Arokodare, aged 24, concluded the regular season with a career-best 20 league goals, adding to his 22 goals in all competitions, including cup matches. His lethal finishing, aerial prowess, and consistent match-winning contributions ranked him among Belgium's elite forwards.
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This accolade follows his crucial leadership in Genk’s attack, headlining a season where he repeatedly drew comparisons to established stars and earned his first Super Eagles call-up scoring 16 league goals by early March and amassing his highest single-season tally.
Editorial
We’re thrilled to see Arokodare’s excellence celebrated in Belgium. His inclusion in the Golden XI isn’t a surprise it’s a statement: Nigerian forwards can dominate top European leagues through sheer effectiveness, not just flashes of brilliance. Arokodare blends athleticism, sharp finishing, and aerial dominance three pillars that define a top-tier striker.
But recognition should translate into progression. Arokodare now has the platform to push for bigger leagues, international stability, and a key role in Nigeria’s ambition for World Cup qualification. It’s vital the Super Eagles’ leadership capitalises swiftly harnessing this form before peak transfer interest materialises.
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At club level, Genk must ensure continuity. Whether they cash in or retain him for a title push, they should support his growth with quality service and tactical continuity. A striker in form should not be treated as inventory but empowered as a focal point.
For Nigerian football, his story should inspire young talents in academies and local leagues. Excellence abroad demands consistency, hunger and mental toughness. Arokodare’s journey embodies these becoming a blueprint, not exception.
Did You Know?
[Arokodare scored](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/match-previews-and-reviews/lookman-nets-20th-goal-as-atalanta-secure-champions-league-spot/) 20 league goals in the 2024–25 season the first time a Nigerian has reached this in the Belgian Pro League.
This tally earned him the Ebony Shoe, awarded to the top African player in Belgium.
He became the first Nigerian striker to top the Belgian scoring charts, ending seasons with 16 goals by March and finishing higher.
25 total league goals across two seasons surpassed Nigerian great Stephen Keshi’s 24, securing a place among the top in [Belgium](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/match-previews-and-reviews/besiktas-thrilled-to-land-former-leicester-midfielder-ndidi-as-long-term-starter/).
Arokodare’s inclusion alongside Nigerian midfielder Raphael Onyedika marks a rare season where two [Nigerians featured](https://www.footballinnigeria.com.ng/news/transfer-news/al-ahli-reach-agreement-with-victor-osimhen-e40-million-annual-salary/) in the Belgian Golden XI.